Note 50 — Chapter X · The Theory of Sexual Selection, and Concluding Remarks.

The beauty of autumnal tints in fading leaves may possibly be adduced per contra. But here we have to remember that it is only some kinds of leaves which thus become beautiful when fading, while, even as regards those that do, it is not remarkable that their chlorophyll should, as it were, accidentally assume brilliant tints while breaking down into lower grades of chemical constitution. The case, in fact, is exactly parallel to those in the animal kingdom which are considered in the ensuing paragraphs.