Origin of Species Variorum

→ a similar conclusion with respect to 1866

the same conclusion regarding 1869

→ especially observed: he 1866

OMIT 1869

→ parents." 1866

parents." Nevertheless there is so much evidence, both ancient and recent, that the young European cuckoo does eject its foster-brothers, that this can hardly be doubted. 1869

→ Now, if it had been of great importance 1866

Now, if it were of great importance 1869

With respect 1872

→ young cuckoo to have received as much food as possible during the first few days after birth, I can see no especial difficulty, 1866

young cuckoo to receive as much food as possible soon after birth, I can see no special difficulty 1869

means by which this strange and odious instinct was acquired, 1872

→ if it possessed sufficient strength, 1866

if it were of great importance for the young cuckoo, as is probably the case, to receive as much food as possible soon after birth, I can see no special difficulty 1872

OMIT 1869

→ habit (first, perhaps, through mere unintentional restlessness) and the structure best fitted for ejecting its foster-brothers; 1866

habit (perhaps through mere unintentional restlessness) the strength and the structure best fitted for ejecting its foster-brothers; 1869

blind desire, the strength, and structure necessary for the work of ejection; 1872

→ would have been the best fed and 1866

would be the best fed and 1869

best developed would be the 1872

↑ 1 blocks not present in 1859 1860 1861 1866 1869; present in 1872

The first step towards the acquisition of the proper instinct might have been mere unintentional restlessness on the part of the young bird, when somewhat advanced in age and strength; the habit having been afterwards improved, and transmitted to an earlier age.

→ young 1866 1869

the unhatched young of other 1872

→ and the temporary hard tips to their beaks for breaking 1866 1869

to break 1872

→ or than in the 1866

or than in 1869 1872

→ variation at any 1866

individual variations at any 1869

individual variations at all 1872

→ age,— propositions 1866 1869

or earlier age,— propositions 1872

→ as we shall hereafter see, rightfully 1866

OMIT 1869 1872

→ disputed,— 1866 1872

disputed, — then 1869

birds. He admits, however, that the young cuckoo when grown older and stronger may have the

power

power,

and perhaps the instinct, of ejecting its foster-brothers, if they happen to escape starvation during the first few days after birth. Mr. Ramsay has arrived at →a similar conclusion with respect to the Australian

species:

species,

~~which~~

which

he →especially observed: he states that the young cuckoo is at first a little helpless fat creature, but, "as it grows rapidly, it soon fills up the greater part of the nest, and its unfortunate companions, either smothered by its weight, or starved to death through its greediness, are thrown out by their →parents." →Now, if it had been of great importance to the →young cuckoo to have received as much food as possible during the first few days after birth, I can see no especial difficulty, →if it possessed sufficient strength, in its

having gradually

gradually

acquiring

acquired,

acquiring,

during successive generations, the →habit (first, perhaps, through mere unintentional restlessness) and the structure best fitted for ejecting its foster-brothers; for those young cuckoos which had such habits and structure →would have been the best fed and most securely reared. ↑ I can see no more difficulty in this, than in →young birds acquiring the instinct →and the temporary hard tips to their beaks for breaking through their own shells;—or →or than in the young

snakes

snake

acquiring

having

their

its

upper

jaws,

jaw,

as Owen has remarked, a transitory sharp tooth for cutting through the tough egg-shell. For if each part is liable to →variation at any

ages,

age,