But it does not
indicate any design on the part of the birds themselves, nor any
deliberate attempt to develop those characteristics; it is rather
that such characteristics, once started by natural variation, tend
to emphasize themselves in the lapse of time.
No doubt fear has played an enormous part in the progress of the
human race itself. The savage whose imagination was stronger than
that of other savages, and who could forecast the possibilities of
disaster, would wander through the forest with more precaution
against wild beasts, and would make his dwelling more secure
against assault; so that the more timid and imaginative type would
tend to survive longest and to multiply their stock. Man in his
physical characteristics is a very weak, frail, and helpless
animal, exposed to all kinds of dangers; his infancy is protracted
and singularly defenceless; his pace is slow, his strength is
insignificant; it is his imagination that has put him at the top of
creation, and has enabled him both to evade dangers and to use
natural forces for his greater security.
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