Animal Morality.

Kaipara and Waitemata Echo, 22 May 1914, Page 8

Animal Morality.

I Dealing in a recent lecture with , the six ethical commandments, IVlr. . Ernest Thompson Seton pointed ! out that in many animals the in--1 stinct of obedience was very no- , ticeable. As for murder, he was amazed how little cannibalism there was among the animals. They certainly killed other .species of animals, but they did- not attack their own kind, and Mr. Seton suggested that there must be some deep-laid instinct which had been observed : since the time when it was necessary to preserve the species. They . could see quite clearly the broad principle of morality and purity in the animal world. Other things triumphed over the polygamous animal, for while the young monogamous animal had two strong protectors, the polygamous animal had only one, and that the weaker. In the best species of animals monogamy had become union for life. , There were more wolves to-day in America than there were 25 years ago, and that was largely due to the careful upbringing which the | young received from their parents. | The Canadian wild goose carried ; monogamy to a very marked point, • for once it lost its mate it never j took another. As to the four spiritual Commandments, Mr. Seton \ could find no indication in the animal world of any recognition of a superior being, though he quoted some cases where animals, when ; fiercely attacked by other animals, : had thrown themselves at the feet of hi!man beings, apparently for pro■tection.