ANIMAL GIANTS 



23 



to battle. Thus, whether on sentinel-guard or engaged in stern 

 conflict, we see here a monarch of the wild who, even in captivity, 

 cannot withstand the unfailing instinct which it possesses during 

 the rutting season, but charges the bars of its yard, banging its 

 head and antlers heavily, and causing very often ugly wounds 

 piteous to see. Compare this with the solicitude and courage evinced 

 by the hind — or female — in defence of her fawn, and the wonderful 

 death-feigning of the little one as it lies in some embowered retreat, 

 and one must of necessity admire the fine beast whose life-history 

 may well conclude our tour among a few of the animal giants of 

 the world. 



