§. 79. For the end of conjunction between male and female being not barely
procreation, but the continuation of the species, this conjunction betwixt male
and female ought to last, even after procreation, so long as is necessary to
the nourishment and support of the young ones, who are to be sustained by those
that got them till they are able to shift and provide for themselves. This
rule, which the infinite wise Maker hath set to the works of His hands, we find
the inferior creatures steadily obey. In those vivaporous animals which feed on
grass the conjunction between male and female lasts no longer than the very act
of copulation, because the teat of the dam being sufficient to nourish the
young till it be able to feed on grass. the male only begets, but concerns not
himself for the female or young, to whose sustenance he can contribute nothing.
But in beasts of prey the conjunction lasts longer because the dam, not being
able well to subsist herself and nourish her numerous offspring by her own prey
alone (a more laborious as well as more dangerous way of living than by feeding
on grass), the assistance of the male is necessary to the maintenance of their
common family, which cannot subsist till they are able to prey for themselves,
but by the joint care of male and female. The same is observed in all birds
(except some domestic ones, where plenty of food excuses the cock from feeding
and taking care of the young brood), whose young, needing food in the nest, the
cock and hen continue mates till the young are able to use their wings and
provide for themselves.
