Gender as a matter of orthography is of some importance, but in grammar it
is chiefly important as involving the correct use of the pronouns _he_,
_she_, and _it_.
When a singular noun is used so as to imply persons of both sexes, it is
commonly represented by a masculine pronoun. [Footnote: When it is
necessary to distinguish the sexes, both the masculine and the feminine
pronoun should be used; as, _Each person was required to name his or her
favorite flower._]
+Example+.--Every _person_ has _his_ faults.
The names of animals are often considered as masculine or feminine without
regard to the real sex.
+Examples+.--The _grizzly bear_ is the most savage of _his_ race. The _cat_
steals upon _her_ prey.
+Remark+.--The writer employs _he_ or _she_ according as he fancies the
animal to possess masculine or feminine characteristics. _He_ is more
frequently employed than _she_.
The neuter pronoun _it_ is often used with reference to animals and very
young children, the sex being disregarded.
+Examples+.--When the _deer_ is alarmed, _it_ gives two or three graceful
springs. The little _child_ reached out _its_ hand to catch the sunbeam.
+Remark+.--_It_ is quite generally used instead of _he_ or _she_, in
referring to an animal, unless some masculine or feminine quality seems to
predominate.
Pages:
297
298
299
300
301
302
303
304
305
306
307
308
309
310
311
312
313
314
315
316
317
318
319
320
321