The Strange Instincts of Cattle. aa2 
It is a familiar fact that brightness in itself 
powerfully attracts most if not all animals. The 
higher mammalians are affected in the same way as 
birds and insects, although not in the same degree. 
This fact partly explains the rage of the bull. A 
scarlet flag fluttermg in the wind or lying on the 
erass attracts his attention powerfully, as it does 
that of other animals; but though curious about 
the nature of the bright object, it does not anger 
him. His anger is excited—and this is the whole 
secret of the matter—when the colour is flaunted by 
aman; when it forces him to fix his attention on 
a man, i.e. an animal of another species that rules 
or drives him, and that he fears, but with only a 
slight fear, which may at any moment be overcome 
by his naturally bold aggressive disposition. Not 
only does the vivid colour compel him to fix his 
attention on the being that habitually interferes 
with his liberty, and is consequently regarded 
with unfriendly eyes, but it also produces the illusion 
on his mind that the man is near him, that he is 
approaching him in an aggressive manner: it is an 
insult, a challenge, which, being of so explosive 
a temper, he is not slow to accept. 
On the pampas I was once standing with some 
gauchos at the gate of a corral into which a herd of 
half-wild cattle had just been driven. One of the 
men, to show his courage and agility, got off his 
horse and boldly placed himself in the centre of 
the open gate. His action attracted the attention 
of one of the nearest cows, and lowering her horns 
she began watching him in a threatening manner. 
He then suddenly displayed the scarlet lining of his 
