I presume the gentleman had met with the Bible--a work which lays
itself open to a somewhat similar comment. I was gratified,
however, at what I had read, and take this opportunity of thanking
the writer, an American, for having liked my book. It was so plain
he had been relieved at not finding the case smothered to death in
the weight of its own evidences, that I resolved not to forget the
lesson his words had taught me.

The only writer in connection with "Life and Habit" to whom I am
anxious to reply is Mr. Herbert Spencer, but before doing this I
will conclude the present chapter with a consideration of some
general complaints that have been so often brought against me that
it may be worth while to notice them.

These general criticisms have resolved themselves mainly into two.

Firstly, it is said that I ought not to write about biology on the
ground of my past career, which my critics declare to have been
purely literary. I wish I might indulge a reasonable hope of one
day becoming a literary man; the expression is not a good one, but
there is no other in such common use, and this must excuse it; if a
man can be properly called literary, he must have acquired the habit
of reading accurately, thinking attentively, and expressing himself
clearly. He must have endeavoured in all sorts of ways to enlarge
the range of his sympathies so as to be able to put himself easily
en rapport with those whom he is studying, and those whom he is
addressing. If he cannot speak with tongues himself, he is the
interpreter of those who can--without whom they might as well be
silent. I wish I could see more signs of literary culture among my