Introduction 27 



An attempt is made whenever possible to estimate the num- 

 actual number of each kind of animal. The data for the ^^^^ 

 calculation are given so that the effort, if not satisfactory, at 

 least affords a starting point for a better estimate. 



The numbers of each species seem to increase and de- 

 crease in cycles varying from five to ten years. These periods, 

 as far as possible, are recorded and note made of every point 

 that seems to account for the variations; nevertheless, they are 

 far from explained. 



The food of each species is carefully considered as far as food 

 present light admits. Especially remembering that: 



Each is classed as the foe of all it feeds upon. And 



that: 

 In the food question we find the beginning of all 



property rights, even those of range. 



PROP- 

 ERTY 



The high development of the property instinct is remark- 

 able in some of the lowest forms of mammalian life. Beginning 

 with food or mates, it extends to nest and range, and, finally, 

 to personal property that has nothing but an aesthetic claim to 

 notice. 



The devices used as property-marks are most interesting. 

 Some animals, as Bears, claw and gnaw the trees on their range 

 — but most kinds use the scent produced by special glands. Of 

 this class are Weasels and Wolves. 



The frugal habit of storine food is found in most of our stor- 



A,GE 



higher animals, probably in all except the Horned Ruminants, habit 

 It is one of the most civilized instincts, and attains its maximum 

 development in those animals which store not for themselves 

 but for their communities — of this class are Mice and Beavers. 



The relation of the animal to light is an interesting rela- 

 department of environment — as a general rule birds are diurnal, light 

 beasts crepuscular. But there are few birds or beasts that 



