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in imagination adapt 1859 1860 1861 1866
take 1869 1872

a 1859 1860 1861 1866 1869
it is a 1872

as I believe, is 1859 1860 1861 1866 1869
OMIT 1872

on my theory 1859 1860 1861 1866
OMIT 1869 1872

the same rule will probably apply to both; and if we in imagination adapt a varying species
inhabiting
to
a very large area, we shall have to adapt two varieties to two large areas, and a third variety to a narrow intermediate zone. The intermediate variety, consequently, will exist in lesser numbers from inhabiting a narrow and lesser area; and practically, as far as I can make out, this rule holds good with varieties in a state of nature. I have met with striking instances of the rule in the case of varieties intermediate between well-marked varieties in the genus Balanus. And it would appear from information given me by Mr. Watson, Dr. Asa Gray, and Mr. Wollaston, that
generally
generally,
when varieties intermediate between two other forms occur, they are much rarer numerically than the forms which they
connect.
cannect.
Now, if we may trust these facts and inferences, and
therefore
therefore
conclude that varieties linking two other varieties together
generally have
have generally
existed in lesser numbers than the forms which they connect,
then
then,
I think,
I think,
we can understand why intermediate varieties should not endure for very long
periods;—
periods:—
periods;—why,
why
why,
....
as a general
rule,
rule
they should be exterminated and disappear, sooner than the forms which they originally linked together.
For any form existing in lesser numbers would, as already remarked, run a greater chance of being exterminated than one existing in large numbers; and in this particular case the intermediate form would be eminently liable to the inroads of
closely-allied
closely allied
forms existing on both sides of it. But a far more important consideration, as I believe, is
that
that,
during the process of further modification, by which two varieties are supposed on my theory to be converted and perfected into two distinct species, the two which exist in larger
numbers
numbers,
from inhabiting larger areas, will have a great advantage over the intermediate variety, which exists