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366
Hereditary Genius
Bush, or an encampment of gold diggers, and each of these would
breed true to its kind. If we go to more stationary forms of society
than our own, we shall find numerous examples of the purest breed:
thus, the Hottentot kraal or village of to-day diners in no way from
those described by the earliest travellers; or, to take an immensely
longer leap, the information gathered from the most ancient paintings
in Egypt, accords with our observations of the modern life of the
descendants of those peoples, whom the paintings represent.
Next, let us consider the nature of hybrids. Suppose a town to be
formed under the influence of two others that differ, the one a
watering-place and the other a fishing town; what will be the result?
We find that particular combination to be usually favourable, because
the different elements do not interfere with, but rather support one
another. The fishing interest gives greater solidity to the place than
the more ephemeral presence of the tourist population can furnish;
the picturesque seaside life is also an attraction to visitors, and the
fishermen cater for their food. On the other hand, the watering-place
gives more varied conditions of existence to the fishermen; the
visitors are very properly mulcted, directly or indirectly, for charities,
roads, and the like, and they are not unwelcome customers in various
ways to their fellow-townsmen.
Let us take another instance of an hybrid; one that leads to a
different result. Suppose an enterprising manufacturer from a town at
no great distance from an incipient watering-place, discovers
advantages in its minerals, water power, or means of access, and
prepares to set up his mill in the place. We may predict what will
follow, with much certainty. Either the place will be forsaken as a
watering-place, or the manufacturer will be in some way or other got
rid of. The two elements are discordant. The dirt and noise and rough
artisans engaged in the
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