Evolution of Society. 211 



gle for existence, and in a higher order of societary 

 life. 



In view of the fact that the functional activities of sex 

 have these important relations to society and its evolu- 

 tion, the methods of sexual association at once appear 

 to have supreme importance not only, but we may 

 instantly more than suspect that the laws of that as- 

 sociation have been deeply laid in the very founda- 

 tions of things. As to marriage, and the method of thereby 

 instituting the human family, for more than one reason the 

 public discussion of the subject, like the happy state itself, 

 is to be entered upon with great care and deliberation. The 

 thorough and public scientific treatment of it certainly may 

 not now be either wise or convenient, but the importance 

 of the general subject of sex relations compels thought and 

 consideration. 



It may therefore, with all necessary boldness, be said, 

 that stock-farm principles do not apply among men, — for 

 one reason, that an exceedingly fine appearing physical 

 constitution may be accompanied by a moral or a mental 

 nature so defective as to more than neutralize the physical 

 advantages, as compared with a less perfect physical, com- 

 bined with a more perfect moral or intellectual nature. In- 

 deed, stock-farm practice is beginning to be influenced by 

 qualities of character, spirit, docility, courage, and obedience, 

 in the selection of breeding animals. And Evolution, if it 

 teaches anything, teaches every where that, living according 

 to the true laws of life, a practically perfect race may be 

 developed from, and as descendants of, individuals of the 

 lowest order, provided that the higher laws of life are even 

 approximately obeyed from generation to generation. 



We were formerly told that only the strong should marry, 

 and that the not strong should not marry. But we have 

 now practically arrived at a stage where we may say — 

 that depends. It should, however, be said, that no society 

 that discourages marriage and makes it difficult for those 

 to marry who desire to do so, is good society. And the 

 same should also be said of that society into which the en- 

 trance of a child, or any number of children, is considered 

 an intrusion. Evolution at least has no uncertain word to 

 say on that subject. In vegetal life, polygamous and pretty 

 nearly every other form of married life prevails, and yet we 

 hear nothing of marital outbreaks in that direction, and no 



