SEXUAL CHARACTERS. 185 



equal [or similar], viz. when very young. Take of any one genus, 

 for example pigs, at a very early period of life, two males and two 

 females ; geld one male and spay one female, and observe the gradual 

 differences as they take place. It will be observed that no difference 

 takes place for a while ; and, Avhen it does, it will be first observable 

 in the male ; for as the male undergoes the greatest change, so the dif- 

 ference is sooner observable : the male also is fitted at an earlier period 

 of life for his purpose than the female, therefore [effects of castration 

 show themselves] sooner in him. 



The female then begins to change, following in a small degree the 

 male ; but as the change in the female is in a much smaller degree, she, 

 as it were, remains more like the castrate than what the male does. 

 The castrate, both of the male and female, goes on equally [in a 

 course], as it were, natural to an animal which has no purpose to 

 answer but that of its own support ; and therefore it may be reckoned 

 the standard, and the male and female the variations. 



The differences between the male and female in its fullest extent, 

 exclusive of the parts of generation, are '' size in general,' ' size of 

 particular parts,' and ' disposition to be fat.' 



After these general observations let us illustrate them by example : 



First, as to size in general. Those animals, of which the male is < 

 larger than the female, have the castrate of either still less than what the 

 female is ; so that the female has in some degree followed the male. 



Secondly. Those animals, of which the males are smaller than the 

 females, have the females smaller than the castrates ; so that the males 

 are comparatively contracted in their growth, and also the females, but 

 in a less degree. Instances of this we have in many animals. The 

 black cattle are strong instances of it. The bull is smaller than the 

 cow, and the cow is smaller than the ox, or than the spayed cow. The 

 swine-kind are also convincing instances of it. 



Thirdly. Those animals, of which the males and females are of 

 nearly the same size, have their castrates nearly the same, viz. horses. 



It may be impossible to show the use of change of form [in the two 

 sexes], from what may be called effeminate to the contrary. Yet it 

 would look as if it were to please the vain ideas that the female has, 

 which Nature has given to all animals, — a passion that was very 

 necessary, for it prompts on some, and gives a kind of happiness 

 to others. 



That this change depends upon the testicles and ovaria is plain. 

 This we see, that in the castrated cock the comb does not grow, nor 

 his spurs ; he has not the tail nor the shining feathers. Castrate a 

 young bull, and his neck will not grow ; but the hair of his forehead 



