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SOCIAL "CROWNED HEADS." 129 



channels in which it runs. One is in an ever-im- 

 proving and progressing form. The other, retro- 

 gressive, sinking lower and lower to the dull 

 lethargic parasitic condition. Between these two 

 currents or tendencies there is, and must ever be, 

 the greatest antagonism. For the very effort to 

 improve the individual involves the improvement 

 of its environment, and thus necessitates the re- 

 moval or extinction of the parasitic class, which 

 not only obstruct, but, as they sink lower and lower 

 in the scale of degradation, eventually become abso- 

 lutely loathsome, ugly, and repulsive, and require 

 the most energetic and strenuous action for their 

 destruction. 



This is a law of life of universal application, 

 although a merciful toleration is voluntarily ex- 

 tended where the position of the better sort may 

 enable it to be done without danger ; but other- 

 wise it is ruthless in its application, being animated 

 not only by the instinct of self -preservation, but by 

 the nobler aim of arriving at the highest possible 

 physical and mental state. 



We do not credit our tiny friends here under 

 description with any conscious intelligence in this 

 J 



