CHAPTER XIV. 



Sexual Selection. 



I have considered the part played among civilized peoples by 

 natural selection. There are two remaining factors which help 

 to mould the animal organism — namely, sexual selection ; and 

 the direct action of the E, independently of natural or sexual 

 selection. It will be unnecessary to speak of these at great 

 length. 



Sexual selection plays, comparatively speaking, a very inferior 

 part in moulding civilized man. It will be advisable to treat 

 of it, first, from the point of view of the man ; and, secondly, 

 from that of the woman. 



I. As regards the man. — Among savage peoples the strongest 

 and most vigorous men, doubtless, secure the largest number of 

 wives, and leave behind them the most numerous progeny, but 

 in civilized communities monogamy for the most part prevails ; 

 wherefore, one male cannot well leave behind him more than a 

 limited progeny; for, although promiscuous intercourse fre- 

 quently occurs among civilized communities, and illegiti- 

 mate births are frequent, yet the children born to any one 

 man in this way cannot be very numerous. Even supposing, 

 however, one man to leave a large number of illegitimate chil- 

 dren, it by no means follows that such a one enjoys excep- 

 tionally good health and strength, or a total freedom from 

 disease taint, seeing that the tendency to beget illegitimate 

 children depends upon a moral, not upon a physical depravity 

 on the part of the parents. Indeed, the procreative power 

 bears little or no relation to physical fitness ; for it is well 

 known that feeble and unhealthy parents are frequently capable 

 of rearing large families, while, on the other hand, strong and 

 healthy parents have, often enough, very few children. 



