Some few, and I am one of them, even wish to God, though at the loss of millions of lives, that the North would proclaim a crusade against slavery. In the long-run, a million horrid deaths would be amply repaid in the cause of humanity. Great God! how I should like to see the greatest curse on earth - slavery - abolished!

Hence, a traveller should be a botanist, for in all views plants form the chief embellishment.

After my return to England it appeared to me that by following the example of Lyell in Geology, and by collecting all facts which bore in any way on the variation of animals and plants under domestication and nature, some light might perhaps be thrown on the whole subject.

I always make special notes about evidence that contridicts me: supportive evidence I can remember without trying.

On your life, underestimating the proclivities of finches is likely to lead to great internal hemorrhaging.

I have no great quickness of apprehension or wit which is so remarkable in some clever men, for instance Huxley

It is always advisable to perceive clearly our ignorance.