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the
→common
rule throughout nature
that the same end
gained, even sometimes in the case of
→closely related to
by the most diversified means. How differently constructed is the feathered wing of a bird and the membrane-covered wing of a
→with all the digits largely developed;
and still more so the four wings of a butterfly, the two wings of a fly, and the two
→wings of a beetle, together with the elytra. Bivalve shells
to open and shut, but on what a number of patterns is the hinge
from the long row of neatly interlocking teeth in a Nucula to the simple ligament of a
Seeds are disseminated by their
→minuteness,—by
their capsule being converted into a light
→envelope,—by
being embedded in pulp or flesh, formed of the most diverse parts, and rendered
as well as conspicuously coloured, so as to attract and be devoured by
→birds,—by
having hooks and grapnels of many kinds and serrated awns, so as to adhere to the fur of
by being furnished with wings and plumes, as
in shape as
→elegant
in structure, so as to be wafted by every breeze. I will give one other instance; for
subject
→of
the
→end being gained by the most diversified means well deserves attention. Some authors maintain that organic beings have been formed in many ways for the sake of mere variety, almost like toys in a shop, but such a view of nature is incredible. With plants having separated sexes, and with those in which, though hermaphrodites, the pollen does not spontaneously fall on the stigma, some aid is necessary for their fertilisation. With several kinds this is effected by the
→pollen-grains, which are light
and
being blown by the wind through mere chance on to the stigma; and this is the simplest plan which can well be conceived. An almost equally simple,
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