sure that practically the greater number of them would be at once allowed. Thus, for instance, if a particular island (e.g. the Dezerta Grande) is found to be for the most part more productive of large states than islands alongside it (as may be proved by the fact of intermediate links in each of the various islands,—the tendency of the mass being merely, in that especial locality, to assume a gigantic bulk), it would seem unreasonable to regard a form on that rock as specifically distinct from its European analogue simply because it is a trifle larger than the latter.—³ And so, in other cases.—

As regards the smallness of size as in some measure accounted for by the unnatural in-breeding which a minute area must of necessity entail,—I can conceive it possible that the power of production may continue unchecked, (so as to cause the existence of large n^os. of individuals), & yet the race deteriorate. Will not this stand the test of analysis?

Loss of flight v. Increase of Bulk. The conclusion seems to me rather the other way. If either of the above are unequal (on the compensation theory), I should imagine that the loss of so essential an organ as the wings was greater than the gain in stature. This indeed I rather assumed throughout, & therefore expressed my belief that it was only a “partial compensation” [w^h. ] the