Page:Midland naturalist (IA midlandnaturalis01lond).pdf/289

 the theory of development. As a complete creative, productive agency, I altogether disbelieve in evolution—as a separator of species, as a destroyer of thousands of forms that cannot all live, al so as a probable selector of what shall survive out of the million possible products of God's higher creative, productive laws, whatever those laws are, I accept and believe in the theory which is known by this name, but no further can I trust or follow those who trust and follow it, and amongst other reasons because Melicerta ringens and its suitable male will net allow me to do so.

Field Clubs are now in full work. Long days, sunny weather, nature clothed in bright and varied hues, all combine to call forth those whose souls are stirred with any higher aims than to follow the mill round of daily work and add to their daily stove; all invite us to come forth from desk and study, from workshop and counter, to explore the marvels which a good Crestor has prepared to instruct and cheer and elevate our souls. It may, therefore, be not unsuitable at such a time to consider a few of the objects which we place before us in our excursions, with a view to rendering them move useful for their professed purpose. And first, I would remark that Field Clubs are apt to err in two opposite directions in either proposing too much for themselves or too Little. With the model before them of the British Association and other great societies, of which the members are the primates and leaders in scientific research, they are, especially on starting, inclined to fancy that they can in some way emulate the proceedings of these learned bodies. Accordingly the work they cut out is often on too extensive and ambitious scale, and in a short time breaks down. I have been present at the inaugural meetings of such societies when the elaborate rules and bye-laws adopted contemplated a scale of operations which it was manifestly impossible could ever be attained. And this soaring ambition, the not unnatural ambition of early youth, is very apt in more mature years to relapse into the opposite extreme, when serious effort is virtually abandoned, and the so called Naturalist excursion becomes a mere pic-nic, pleasant and useful enough in its way, but having little relation to the objects for which the club was started. Nor should if be overlooked that this dilettante kind of work brings science into contempt, and not unfrequently have kind critics suggested a comparison between the proceedings of the Field Club and those of the immortal Pickwick and his friends.

If these societies are to attain what their members would desire, if they are to add anything to the stores of science, their aim must he more modest, practical, and definite. First, with respect to the work cut out for the excursions. It is not often that this can be of the thorough and laborious nature which individuals or very small parties can undertake.