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THE VARIATION OF ANIMALS AND PLANTS UNDER DOMESTICATION. By CHARLES DARWIN, M.A., F.R.S., etc. Authorized edition , with a preface by Prof. Asa Gray. In two volumes, 12mo., with Illustrations. New York: Orange Judd & Co., 245 Broadway.

The subject treated of in the work before us is always invested with more or less interest to the scientific mind. The author, although professedly wedded to a theory has done a real service to science in the very collection and discussion of the immense number of facts used to substantiate his views. The theory itself, which binds all these data into a reconcilable, harmonious, and ingenious speculation, rests upon an assumption that the present species of animals and plants are older and stronger marked varieties originated under a natural selection of the sorts best adapted to the circumstances and condition of each place and time,

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in a way which may fairly be compared with the development of our domesticated animals and plants under artificial selection and care.

Domestication, according to his idea, is nothing more than the continuation of an experiment which Nature has initiated in the several species ages ago; the changes brought about being more or less intensified by the increased change of climate, variety of food, cross ing, correlation, etc., etc. The various arguments which 'he brings forward are ingenious if not conclusive. The subject of hereditary transmission, as well as the peculiar effects of breeding in and in, and of crossing, are of especial interest to medical men, who cannot fail to obtain many a useful hint regarding anomalies in nature, and the penalties of transgressing her laws. It is written in a remarkably pleasant and entertain- ing style for a work upon such an abstruse subject.