Chapter 6 Thus, the word child is neuter in the sentence, A little child shall lead them, but is masculine in the sentence from Wordsworth,-

I have seen

A curious child ... applying to his ear

The convolutions of a smooth-lipped shell.

Of animals, those with which man comes in contact often, or which arouse his interest most, are named by gender nouns, as in these sentences:-

Before the barn door strutted the gallant cock, that pattern of a husband, ... clapping his burnished wings.-Irving.

Gunpowder ... came to a stand just by the bridge, with a suddenness that had nearly sent his rider sprawling over his head-Id.

Other animals are not distinguished as to sex, but are spoken of as neuter, the sex being of no consequence.

Not a turkey but he [Ichabod] beheld daintily trussed up, with its gizzard under its wing.-Irving.

He next stooped down to feel the pig, if there were any signs of life in it.-Lamb.

No "common gender."