Elementary Morality 47 



probability of selfish advantage is counted moral although 

 it may be, and often is, purely instinctive. Therefore similar 

 instinctively right conduct on the part of the animals de- 

 serves to be called moral in its own degree. And when this 

 view is accepted the beginning of morality can be clearly seen 

 in certain inferior creatures, who unconsciously found such 

 morality in an instinctive obedience to an impulse which is 

 present in them because it has been proven advantageous to 

 their ancestors and has established certain habits. 



To return to observation, consider the situation and action 

 in life, of a swallow, a creature whose conduct is highly 

 instructive ; and is available because known to nearly every- 

 body. The swallow is defenceless, small, weak and sensitive, 

 yet highly developed, beautiful, graceful, sociable, devoted 

 to duty, affectionate, and may be fairly called moral in the 

 degree of morality which is instinctive. Swallows organize 

 in great communities for migration, and settle in their 

 territory in amity, yet not without disputes for desirable 

 home sites. Then they pair in admirable partnership, two 

 individuals working devotedly in the hard work of building 

 a home, relieving the labor with gaiety of demeanor and 

 with song; and in time of trouble, when they most need 

 cheer, they know how to keep it. Time spent in watching 

 them is not wasted, nor is the work of telling of it. There 

 is nothing more instructive in a search for the principles of 

 conduct, than the actions which produce a swallow's nest 

 and brood in the spring time. First the place is tentatively 

 chosen because it is liked, but is not hastily adopted. It is 

 discreetly tested by several days of visiting and scrutinizing, 

 and by night watches in the proposed spot itself. Then, if 



