The Darwinian Theory.

Auckland Star, Volume VI, Issue 1625, 1 May 1875, Page 5 (Supplement)

The Darwinian Theory.

The Dundee Advertiser says: 'It is toot generally known that a series of elaborate experiments intended to illustrate tne laws affecting the variation and selection of species have been going on under the direction of able and intelligent naturalists. These experiments were begun soon after the appearance of Mr. Darwin's great work, and their object is to discover the extent to which by persistant effort species may be varied, to what degree particular organs may be changed by a different circumstance and condition, and how far feeble and rudimentary development may be increased and accelerated by special conditions and wants. These experiments are carried out with the utmost care, and their results accorded with accuracy ; and they will no doubt in due time throw much light on the doctrines of development and natural selection. The period during which they have been conducted has as yet been too brief to yield important results, and they may possibly require to be carried on for more than half a century before their scientific value is ascertained. These experiments are under the direct supervision of nearly all the more eminent naturalists of the day, including Sir John Lubbock, Mr. Darwin and Mr. Wallace; and thpy will be the first sustained scientific test to which the laws affecting 1 the variation and origin of the species i have been subjected.'