Twenty-fib ST Annual- Meeting. 55 



In this connection, we may note one of the most remarkable results of the work- 

 ings of self-preservation — the slavery of other animals. The most remarkable in- 

 stance of this, of course, is the slavery among ants. But with them the servitude is 

 compensated for by the protection afforded, and the plentiful food supplied to the 

 slaves, and is therefore not all unkindness. Some warlike species cannot live at all 

 without their attendant slaves to wait upon and feed them. It is to be questioned 

 if the enslaved are worse off than when in freedom, for the consideration of senti- 

 ment does not reach them at all. Ants also enslave the aphides for the sweet secre- 

 tion, the milk, which they yield. This, however, is akin to domestication, and is 

 comparable to our domestication of other animals. Compulsory servitude is slavery 

 when applied to our species — domestication when applied to other species of ani- 

 mals. But the masters make a complete return for services rendered, in supplying 

 all the wants of the enslaved species. 



But again, there is a kind of servitude that is without any redeeming merits what- 

 ever, and is indeed cruel and heartless. This is illustrated by certain birds, as the 

 frigate bird, which obliges the fish hawk to fish for him, and the sea gull, which ex- 

 acts such service from the cormorant. Not only do they rob the unfortunates of 

 the fruits of their industry, but purposely compel them to catch more for their tor- 

 mentors. This is a compulsory servitude, a rank robbery of work, without the re- 

 turn of food, or protection, or any other compensation. This slavery has now gone 

 on so long that the dominant species cannot live without it, and in the case of the 

 frigate bird the feet and claws are now so reduced by disuse that it cannot catch its 

 own fish if it desired to do so. Some species of fish hawks, during generations of 

 this slavery and subjugation, have become hereditarily accustomed to it, and obey 

 the tyrants of the air without much objection. Other species, not so well accus- 

 tomed to it, are often driven to the death by these cruel despots, through misun- 

 derstanding of what is wanted of them. Instances of unrequited service are found 

 in other species of animals, as well as in man. 



The affectionate personal attachment that animals often manifest for each other, 

 or between members of different species, as a dog and horse, cat and horse, dog and 

 elephant, etc., is proof of their possession of the higher feelings and emotions. The 

 fidelity of the dog is so pure and unselfish as to put to shame our own species, with 

 all our boasted moral exaltation, and needs only to be mentioned in this connec- 

 tion. There are many curious friendships throughout the animal world, such as the 

 plover and the crocodile, the rhinoceros-bird and his host, and similar attachments. 

 Birds seem to possess the most love and friendship, and their fidelity and love for 

 each other are proverbial. Snails have also been known to display an affection for a 

 particular person. But this feeling is manifested in all species, and especially in the 

 higher mammals, whose attachments for each other or for man are so well known, and 

 which sinks all selfishness in its regard for others. 



The sexual and parental instinct is the second greatest animal impulse, on which 

 depends the perpetuation of the species, and is the center of a variety of emotions 

 and mental actions. The instinct of self-preservation often disappears before the 

 assertion of the instinct of perpetuation of the species. Many a battle-scarred old 

 male bears testimony to the devotion and self-sacrifice of his sex in the cause of 

 gallantry toward the gentler sex. Much cruelty is consequent upon the conflict of 

 males for supremacy in the favor of the females, and they willingly endure much 

 pain and suffering. Of course, the sexual passion is the inspiring force, but this is 

 sometinaes elevated by a strong personal attachment and true friendship, which often 

 lead to life-long companionship. With the females, of course, the maternal instinct 

 is the all-powerful controlling power, and develops a beautiful, self-sacrificing devo- 

 tion to offspring in almost all species. This feeling is a pure love, as devoted and 



