Now it is this superficial and almost child-like interest in the
outward forms of living things which, though often despised as
unscientific, happened to be _the only one_ which would lead us
towards a solution of the problem of species. For Nature herself
distinguishes her species by just such characters--often
exclusively so, always in some degree--very small changes in
outline, or in the proportions of appendages--as give a quite
distinct and recognisable facies to each, often aided by slight
peculiarities in motion or habit; while in a larger number of
cases differences of surface-texture, of colour, or in the details
of the same general scheme of colour-pattern or of shading, give
an unmistakable individuality to closely allied species.
It is the constant search for and detection of these often
unexpected differences between very similar creatures that gives
such an intellectual charm and fascination to the mere collection
of these insects; and when, as in the case of Darwin and myself,
the collectors were of a speculative turn of mind, they were
constantly led to think upon the "why" and the "how" of all this
wonderful variety in nature--this overwhelming and, at first
sight, purposeless wealth of specific forms among the very
humblest forms of life.
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