number and order of inhabitants supplied by chance, no point so favourable for generation of new species{132},--especially the mountains, hence, so it is. As isolated mountains formed in a plain country (if such happens) is an island. As other islands formed, the old species would spread and thus extend and the fauna of distant island might ultimately meet and a continent formed between them. No one doubts continents formed by repeated elevations and depressions{133}. In looking backwards, but not so far that all geographical boundaries are destroyed, we can thus at once see why existing forms are related to the extinct in the same manner as existing ones are in some part of existing continent. By chance we might even have one or two absolute parent fossils. {128} _Rincon_ in Spanish means a _nook_ or _corner_, it is here probably used to mean a small farm. {129} The following is written across the page: "No one would expect a set of similar varieties to be produced in the different countries, so species different." {130} <The following passage seems to have been meant to follow here.> The parent of an organism, we may generally suppose to be in less favourable condition than the selected offspring and therefore generally in fewer numbers. (This is not borne out by horticulture, mere hypothesis; as an organism in favourable conditions might by selection be adapted to still more favourable conditions.) Barrier would further act in preventing species formed in one part migrating to another part. {131} <The following notes occur on the back of the page.> Number of species not related to capabilities of the country: furthermore not always those best adapted, perhaps explained by creationists by changes and progress. <See p. 34, note 1.{Note 134}> Although creationists can, by help of geology, explain much, how can he explain the marked relation of past and present in same area, the varying relation in other cases, between past and present, the relation of different parts of same great area. If island, to adjoining continent, if quite different, on mountain summits,--the number of individuals not being related to capabilities, or how &c.--our theory, I believe, can throw much light and all facts accord. {132} See _Origin_, Ed. i. p. 390, vi. p. 543. {133} On oscillation see _Origin_, Ed. i. p. 291, vi. p. 426. The detection of transitional forms would be rendered more difficult on rising point of land.