SELECTION IN MARRIAGE 85 



weakly in each class are less likely to marry, or are likely to 

 marry later in life, because of their defects. In this way the 

 nation is always to some extent being kept up to the mark. 

 The greater the care taken as to the choice made in marriage, 

 the more effective will be this check on parenthood amongst 

 those in any way defective or inferior, and the better it will 

 be for the race in the future. 



On the other hand, if we make yoimg people more 

 particular, the result may be that the better types will 

 become less likely to marry. This would defeat the end 

 we have in view. How are we to steer between these 

 opposing considerations ? 



Our first and most important aim should be to plant high 

 ideals in the minds of the young. This should be done 

 in regard to all things rather than with special reference 

 to marriage. To succeed in this endeavour, it is of the 

 utmost importance that we should ourselves set a good 

 example. If we associate with persons with blots on their 

 characters, our object being our own amusement, we must 

 expect our children to do the same. If we only make 

 worthy friends, our children will of their own accord also 

 associate with worthy companions. This is the best method 

 of safeguarding them against unhappy marriages. And in 

 this way we shall also help to maintain the quahty of our race 

 in the future. 



Our next aim should be to give young people ample 

 opportunities of meeting each other. The occasions chosen 

 must be suitable, and undesirable partners should be ex- 

 cluded as far as possible. Then let the young alone to settle 

 their own affairs. They will fall in love with each other 

 quickly enough. 



Marriage between those of good stock ought to be as 

 enduring as possible. This is because such marriages ought 

 to result in plenty of children, all of whom should have the 

 advantage of the companionship of both parents. Now love 

 is the best cement for holding a couple together. Hence 

 to promote marriages for love should be our aim. 



But we must not blind ourselves to the fact that it is 



