XXVIII. THE GAMES OF MAMMALS 



Nearly all observers of animal life have recognized the 

 fact that the lower mammals appear to have many 

 points of resemblance to the higher, aside from those 

 which are purely physical. One of the most interesting 



Fig. 202. — Otter sliding downhill. 



is that of sport, many animals displaying a love for various 

 pastimes that is only to be compared with the same exhi- 

 bition in man. 



I have seen the sea otter playing a game of tag in the 

 great kelp beds of the Pacific, and careful observers have 

 watched them and seen them toss their young into the air 

 and perform many other tricks which are more or less 

 familiar. Otters particularly delight in sliding downhill. 

 Several will select a hill not very long, but usually steep, 



226 



