CHAPTER V 



NATURAL SELECTION OF MAN'S DEVOTION 



Animals in a state of nature may usually find 

 drinking water in ample quantities, in fixed locations, 

 and contained in hollows which are self -replenishing. 

 Creatures which have found water are, therefore, but 

 rarely compelled to go in search of new places or 

 supplies, but may, whenever necessity or desire 

 prompts them, provided they possess the intelli- 

 gence to recall the whereabouts, return to the spot 

 where they first slaked their thirst. Moreover, the 

 act of drinking is of comparatively brief duration. 

 It is therefore not necessary for feeble or timid 

 creatures, which are hunted by the more powerful, 

 to run special risks in relieving their thirstiness, for 

 during the hours when their enemies are drinking 

 they can avoid the places where water is found, and 

 resort to them at other times. 



The case stands differently with food. The 

 competition for this is usually far more severe, and 

 the quantities of it are not self-replenishing with 

 available rapidity. Many brutes, therefore, are 

 obliged to expend much time and energy, and to 

 risk both limb and life in obtaining and consuming 

 food. Brute-man must be included in this class. 



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