EVIL AND ALTliUISM IN NATURE 309 



struggle for the welfare of others which she has 

 instituted. 



The process of reproduction throughout the organic 

 world, by which the parent gives part of its own sub- 

 stance for the propagation of its kind, is a prophecy 

 of the great spiritual gifts that follow. 



The preservation of the life of the young, in a large 

 part of the animal kingdom, and especially in its 

 highest part, is due to the care and affection of the 

 parents — especially of the mother. 



Many of the animals of the lower sub-kingdoms 

 deposit their eggs in secure places, and in localities 

 where food will be convenient, while many others 

 protect them by cocoons or webs of silk. Others 

 exercise great patience and care in feeding their 

 larvae. 



Among bees the great care and anxiety for the in- 

 terests of the queen seem to indicate an exceptional 

 wealth of affection. 



Some of the lower vertebrates, especially those 

 which lay but few eggs, deposit them in places of 

 security, but it is the rare exception that they care 

 for their young. 



It is not till we reach birds and mammals that pro- 

 longed care and great affection for the young are 

 manifested. These animals are so helpless when born 

 that they would speedily perish if it were not for the 

 care of the mother. 



Among these highest forms, therefore, Altruism in 

 action, if not in motive, is a necessity for the preser- 

 vation of the species. Helplessness and help must go 

 hand in hand. If Nature ordains that the infant 

 shall perish if left to itself, she with equal certainty 

 ordains that help shall be furnished. 



With what unceasing labor does the mother bird 

 gather food for her nestling young, and with what 

 affection does she protect thetn with her own body 



