Ses 
IN THE SHETLANDS 265 
we will suppose, been chosen for his good looks, be- 
comes in his turn—for how, under such circumstances, 
can he help it ?—the chooser between those of others ; 
and thus there will be a double process of selection 
carried on between the two sexes. 
But may we not go a step farther in our supposi- 
tions ?—for which, as I believe, there is a considerable 
body of evidence, in spite of the frequent great difh- 
culty and consequent absence of proper observation. 
The theory of sexual selection is based upon the 
assumption that choice is exercised by the female, 
and this exercise of choice must go hand-in-hand 
with a corresponding development of the critical 
faculty in regard to the comparative merits of different 
males, which again would involve a power of taking 
a liking, or a dislike, to any one of them. How are 
we to reconcile all this with that quiescent, waiting-to- 
be-spoken-to frame of mind which we assume to be 
that of the hen bird in regard to the cock, during the 
season of courtship? A decided preference should 
show itself in actions. Why should she never exer- 
cise her critical faculty except as between such males 
as are rivals for her favour? If, for instance, she is 
courted by two or more males, why should she not 
declare in favour of a third or fourth that is either 
indifferent or courting another hen, on the ground of 
his superior beauty alone ? 
Why, in fact, should it not be with birds as it is 
with men and women? Women, to casual observa- 
tion, seem at least as coy and modest as do hen birds, 
