From The Saturday Review. imagining for himself a unit followed by some inches of ciphers. Surely there is someTHE long word which heads this article was thing almost touching in the consideration invented by an eminent French naturalist, M. that all the mighty hordes which we see de Quatrefages, and applied by him to those swarming over our rose-trees and geraniums, singular modes of reproduction without the our orchards and hop-gardens, are orphansinfluence of sex which have now been observed orphans too of so peculiar a kind that they to obtain very extensively in both the animal not only have no fathers, but never had any. and the vegetable worlds. The occurrence of Nothing, however, can be better established this kind of multiplication was first clearly than the fact. Subsequent observers have redemonstrated by Bonnet, in the middle of the peated Bonnet's experiments with results in last century. Stimulated by Reaumur, the all essential respects the same. They have patient author of the Insectologie instituted a obtained a large number of successive broods; very remarkable series of investigations upon and one of them, Kyber, has even shown that those well-known pests of the garden and if the supply of warmth and food be kept up, green-house, the Aphides-"blight-insects;" agamic reproduction will go on for two or or "plant-lice" as they are commonly three years without a symptom of diminished called. A newly-born Aphis was carefully is- energy. More than this-the researches of solated, and the twig which served as the in- the numerous excellent naturalists who have sect's pasture-ground and residence, having of late years applied themselves to the inves its end inserted into a vessel of water, was tigation of the lower animals have brought to covered over with a glass shade. Bonnet, hold- light a great number of parallel cases, not ing his captive, as he says, exultingly, "more only among other insects, but in other divis safe than Danae in her tower," watched its ions of the animal kingdom and in the vege proceedings with an assiduity, and recorded table world; so that there is now a large and them with a Boswellian minuteness, which compact body of evidence all tending to show would be ludicrous if they were not almost that "Lucina sine concubitu." the favorite sublime; and he had his reward in the dis- miracle of a past age, is among many living covery that, under these circumstances, the beings an orderly and normal occurrence. Aphis gave rise not merely to a single living offspring, but to fourscore! More than this -one of these young, treated in the same way, yielded like results. Its isolated progeny again exhibited the same faculty; and as long as Bonnet kept up his observations-viz., for nine successive broods, the power of agamic production showed no symptoms of exhaustion. There is for instance, a plant-the Colo bogyne ilicifolia-discovered at Moreton Bay, in Australia, some twenty years ago, and thence sent to the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew, where it has grown and flourished, and may be seen in full vigor. Like the rest of the order (Euphorbiacea) to which it be longs, the Calobogyne is dioecious-that is to say, the stamens and pistils are not only situThe Aphides make their appearance early ated in different flowers, but these flowers are in spring. The number in each family, and borne by distinct plants. The pistil-bearing the time required for the maturity of its or female plant is the only one which has members, vary with the temperature and the hitherto been discovered, and yet, year after supply of food; but on an average it may be year, the Cælobogyne has formed its fruit and safely assumed that there are a hundred fertile seeds to all appearance as well as if its Aphides in a brood, and that a newly-born staminiferous mate were blooming in the next Aphis requires not much more than a fort- parterre. Nor must it be supposed that the night to attain to full propagative capacity. vagrant pollen of some nearly allied plant During the warm months, therefore, thirteen has, in this case, been substituted for that of or fourteen broods may be reckoned upon, and the lawful partner. The seedling Colobogyne supposing all the young to come to maturity, exhibits no trace of hybridism, and microthe number of Aphides which may thus pro-scopic investigation shows clearly that the ceed from a single ancestor is past all concep- seed has been formed without the influence of tion. We might calculate it mathematically any pollen. for the reader, but he will gain just as real a notion of the quantity, and save our type, by The isolated female Daphnice, or "waterfleas," produce brood after brood of young; several kinds of butterflies have been observed to be endowed with the same marvellous faculty; and the remarkable observations of Von Siebold have, it would seem, established the fact, that, among bees, the drones are always produced from eggs which have been subjected to no influence but that of the maternal parent. These facts so obviously tend to bring the masculine sex into contempt-as at most an qrnamental excrescence, and by no means an essential ingredient in the order of nature —that we almost wonder they have not been seized upon and turned to account by some of the strong-minded. The doctrine of no paternity" might appropriately find a place beside that of "free maternity" already advocated on Transatlantic platforms by masculine females probably transmigrated Aphides. But, in truth, the argument would be somewhat one-sided and its application hasty. Even among the blight-insects, nature, with all her aberrations, shows a fondness for old fashions. True it is, that the Aphis born in spring may give rise, in vestal seclusion and innocence that cannot fall away, to countless millions of winged or wingless successors. True it is, also, that under favorable circumstances, there would seem to be no limit to the continuance of this mode of reproduction. But it is no less certain that, under ordinary conditions, as the cold weather approaches, or as food falls short, broods of males and ordinary females are produced. While the viviparous Aphides were either winged or wingless, these true females (with possibly an exception) never possess wings and never bring forth living young, but lay eggs, and then, like the males, die. The eggs, hidden in cracks of the bark of hardy plants, or protected by the covering scales of their buds, pass through the winter in security, and when the returning warmth of spring rouses their latent life, they are hatched, and give rise to the viviparous agamic young. Thus, under ordinary conditions, the Aphides pass through a sort of cycle of changes. The egg hatched in the spring produces either winged or wingless forms, which give rise spontaneously to either winged or wingless living young. This process is repeated, without known limits, until the temperature or the supply of food falls below a certain amount; then oviparous, wingless females, and winged, or wingless males are produced, and give rise to eggs, like those in which living beings in general take their origin. That separate individual existence which we call a man or a horse is the total product of the development of a single egg. If we are to apply the term "individual" with the same meaning to the Aphis, then all the millions which are developed from one Aphis in the course of a spring and summer are, in physiological strictness, but the equivalent of a single man or horse. They are, so to speak, independent fragments of the one physiological individual; and when we look closely into the matter, we find that these independentlyexisting fragments are developed in precisely the same way as those portions of an organism which always remain connected together. The germ of every living being is a mass without distinction of parts; and all that we term organs, limbs, viscera, leaves, flowers, and so forth, are produced by the budding of this mass, and the gradual modelling of the buds into the form required. In the highest animals and plants the various buds remain united—the co-operation of each being more or less necessary to the efficient action of all its fellows; but in the lower forms of life, whether vegetable or animal, no such “natural piety" unites the parts of the germ, or even of the adult; and hence portions of its substance may become detached and assume an independent life. Thus portions of the tissue of the Liverwort, or of the bulbiferous lily, grow out and eventually separate themselves as free organisms. Thus the common fresh-water polype thrusts forth from the walls of its body processes which become new and independent Hydra. But these independent buds are in no respect, save their separation, distinct from those which united together, form the tree or the branched zoophyte; and a long series of insensible gradations connects those organisms whose components, as in the zoophyte, are united by the slightest tie of interdependence with those whose constituent buds are wholly incapable of continued separate existence. The apparently anomalous reproduction of the viviparous Aphis reduces itself to a case of budding. In the terminal chamber of the tubes which, in the viviparous form, represent the ovary of the true female, bodies precisely resembling young ova are contained; and these, becoming successively detached, gradually develope within the body of the parent into young Aphides, which are eventually born alive. The process is precisely similar in principle to that by which the bud of a it into contact with that element, and it will plant is developed, and, as in the plant, re- by and by become a young Aphis-leave it quires for its completion nothing but warmth and nourishment. So much the microscope and the scalpel reveal to us in all cases of agamogenesis-in all, the young animal is formed by budding from the old. But if the question is asked, why certain animals and certain parts of animals possess the power of giving rise to such buds, and others do not, physiology is silent. The most careful scrutiny of the rudiment of the egg in the oviparous Aphis fails to detect any lifference between it and the germ of the young of the viviparous Aphis; but there is nevertheless a strong constitutional tendency, fit may be so called, impressed on each, and Impelling it to a widely different course from that followed by the other. The one, as we have seen, spontaneously passes into a living young-the other increases in size, but otherwise remains almost unchanged, except by becoming enveloped within a hard case, specially perforated for the admission of the one element which is wanting to its activity. Bring to itself, and it will eventually be resolved into its constituent particles. Truly this is a marvellous difference, but not more wonderful or more mysterious than that which obtains amidst the homogeneous elements of the germ itself, and which determines that, of two masses undistinguishable by any test which we can apply, one shall become a brain, another a liver, and another a heart. When physiologists have found an explanation for these common and every-day phenomena, they may try their hands with some chance of success upon such secrets of nature as Agamogenesis. In the meanwhile, let us rejoice in the vast field of inquiry opened up for us by the rever ent investigation of one of the humblest and lowest of created things; and let us candidly acknowledge that there was method in the madness of the French savan, when he proposed to call the decennium marked by Bonnet's discovery "l'Epoque des Pucérons." German Equivalents for English Thoughts. By would be found, for instance, that his prophecy Madame Bernard. A COLLECTION of some eight thousand English words or phrases, rather in common than literary use, with their equivalents in German. The arrangement is alphabetical; the primary object seems to be to familiarize the student with colloquial expressions, for the book is not designed as a conversation, though many of the phrases can be used for question or reply. The author forestalls an objection that some of the examples may be "too familiar," by which she doubtless means phrases like "die game," gift of the gab," &c. If such terms were presented in English, it would have been better always to mark by an explanatory note the precise force of the German equivalent.-Spectator. SYMPTOMS OF INCIPIENT INSANITY.-An alienist physician of judgment and experience would be able to point out, in the circle of society with which he is acquainted, nearly all the men who are very likely to become insane; but were he imprudent enough to make known this invidious prescience, it would be found that his judgment differed widely from the opinions on this subject which are current in the world. It would not rest upon those men who are called eccentric. Eccentricity more frequently depends on a disregard of public opinion in trilling and nonessential matters than upon any twist or perversion in the mind of the individual. The eccentric man is often a large-hearted and a courageous man, and, as such, one of the last to become insane. The ominous forethought of the physician would rather rest upon the man over susceptible concerning the good opinion which others may entertain of him; the suspi cious and timorous man, who hears scandal be fore it is spoken, and apprehends the commence has not at bottom of his heart a sincere liking ment of every possible mischief; the man who for his fellow creatures, but who is querulous and contentious, and who perpetually finds him self in disaccord with the world. This is the type of man whom predisposing and exciting causes are most likely to plunge into insanity. Psychological Medicine. THE following simile, contained in one of Tobin's comedies, is said to have been levelled at Cumberland :-" He sits there in his closet expecting inspiration, like an old rusty conductor waiting for a flash of lightning." No. 746.-11 September, 1858. Enlarged Series, No. 24. CONTENTS. Correspondence-First Atlantic Telegram-New Books, 1. Women Artists, 2. Autobiography of Lola Montez, BRITISH: Times, Post, News, Shipping Gazette, 4. Half Hour with a Fighting Man, 5. A Tale of the Foreign Office, 6. Chateaubriand, 7. Edward's Personal Adventures, North British Review, 853 POETRY.-The Cable, 845. She is not Listening now 845, The Patter of Little Feet, 845. SHORT ARTICLES.-Voice of the Last Prophet, 816. Charity, 816. Suiting the Action to the Word, 816. Little Attention, 816. Good Idea, 816. Wives of Clever Men, 816. Mammon Worship, 816. The Future a Sealed Book, 816. Patience, 816. Love and Judgment, 816. Excellency of Christ, 825. The Sabbath, 825. Copyright in Europe, 844. Teaching of Physical Science, 849. Mr. Thackeray Described, 849. Unwilling Ferryman, 849. Woman's Love, 852. Jeremy Taylor, 871. Judicial Humor, 871. Canonical Books of the New Testament, 871. Translations from the German, by Carlyle, 877. Novels and Novelists, 877. Insect Physic, 877. Life, 877. Story of a Boulder, 880. Christian Island Discovered, 880. LITTELL, SON & Co., Bofton; and STANFORD & DELISSER, 508 Broadway, New-York. For Six Dollars a year, remitted directly to either of the Publishers, the Living Age will be punctually forwarded free of postage. Complete sets of the First Series, in thirty-six volumes, and of the Second Series, in twenty volumes, handsomely bound, packed in neat boxes, and delivered in all the principal cities, free of expense of freight, are for sale at two dollars a volume. ANY VOLUME may be had separately, at two dollars, bound, or a dollar and a half in numbers. ANY NUMBER may be had for 12 cents; and it is well worth while for subscribers or purchasers to completeany broken volumes they may have, and thus greatly enhance theirvalue. From The New York Courier, 27 Aug. It is a seal, avouching, as it would seem, the pleasure of Heaven that the aspirations for human concord and brotherhood which the lay ing of this cable has so marvellously evoked, shall not return void; and so we should recog nise it if we had half the free full faith of the old Pagans. With what new life would such events and accompaniments have invested the stately shapes of old mythology, and with what new glory invested them! THE tameness of the English rejoicings over VALENTIA, August 25. A Treaty of Peace has been concluded with China, by which England and France obtain all their demands, including the establishment of embassies at Pekin, and indemnification for the expenses of the war. THE first news despatch of the Atlantic Cable is an announcement of PEACE. Every thing seems to combine to inaugurate this co-linking of the two worlds with happiest omens. It was THE TELEGRAPH IN FRANCE.-The news of no common coincidence that the semi-centennial the successful laying down of the Atlantic cable celebration of nearly the oldest theological in- scarcely excited any attention in France. They stitution in the land, and one which has proba- do not appear to appreciate the magnitude of bly had a wider influence than any other upon the event, nor do they comprehend for a moits religious history-that this occasion which ment the value of this enterprise to themselves brought together an almost unexampled multi- even. The news is just seven days old, and not tude of those whose business it is to preach the a single journal has yet contained an editorial gospel of peace, should have been signalized on the subject. Their notices are confined to and forever made memorable, by the advent, at the short dispatches that came to them from the very height of its exercises, of such start-Valentia in the columns of the London jourling intelligence; it was no common coincidence nals. From the Paris correspondence of the New that the same intelligence should have reached York Commercial Advertiser. the sovereigns of England and France just when they had met, on one of the most memorable occasions of their reigns, to renew to each the Atlantic Telegraph is in marked contrast other most solemn pledges of peace and friendship, and alliance. And it is now no common coincidence that the very first business service rendered by this mighty agent is to herald peace -to herald it, when it was unlooked for, and from the only spot on the globe where international war existed. A peace too of mightiest import, for with it comes the entrance of the oldest Empire of the world into the family, of nations, and the throwing open, to the march of civilization, gates behind which lie a third of the human race. China is no longer to be an isolated land; ambassadors from the civilised Powers are now to take up their residence in her capital; and perfect freedom of intercourse is henceforth to be her established law. The habits of ages are to be broken up; the arrogance which treats the rest of the world as out side barbarians is to disappear; and the Chinese are now also to join in the wonderful march of the nations towards unknown, unlooked-for, destinies. The conclusion of this treaty of peace with China forms an epoch in the history of the Eastern World; and it is a sublime fact that the first commission of that wire which flashes intelligence to the Western World is to proclaim that epoch. It is an augury for good. with the jubilant character of the American demonstrations in honor of the great event. This is due to two causes; the English do not make near so general a use of the telegraph as the Americans. The press and the people employ it much less, the rates are higher, and the habits of the people are less accustomed to the go-ahead notions which the telegraph represents. Another reason is that the masses of the English people concern themselves much less with public matters. Those who understand the telegraph know all about it, and know very little about any thing else. The people are more phlegmatic and not so easily aroused to a sense of the importance of the work, or to any great enthusiasm over it, even if its importance were fully appreciated. Moreover the space devoted to the accounts of the celebration by the telegraphic despatches here, spread the news simultaneously all over the land, and the euthusiasm in one place kindled it in another, till the whole country blazed with fire works and rung with the reverberating echoes of cannon. In England they care much less about it; and they take with more coolness the things that they do care about.-Providence Journal NEW BOOKS. PROCEEDINGS OF THE DEDICATION OF THE, SHAHMAH IN PURSUIT OF FREEDOM; OR THE ginal Showiah, and edited by an American THE AGE; A COLLOQUIAL SATIRE. By Philip SERMONS. Preached at Trinity Chapel, Bright- |
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