NUMBER XVI 

 THE PLAY OF ANIMALS 



WHEN we watch the kittens with their ball, 

 the dogs and their sham hunt, the lambs 

 and their races, the monkeys and their "tig," we 

 see animals at play. It is well marked off from 

 work, though it may be as hard ; it is not mere 

 exercise, though, perhaps, it exercises best ; it 

 has no serious end for the sake of which it is played, 

 though it may be, while it lasts, most serious ; 

 it is not necessarily social, for many an animal 

 (like many a man) seems to be quite happy playing 

 alone ; and it need not be competitive, though that 

 often gives zest to it. 



Some naturalists have thought that the play of 

 young animals just means an overflow of vigour, 

 energy and good spirits. This theory is simple ; 

 but it is too simple, and it breaks down. No doubt 

 the young creature is an overflowing well of energy ; 

 but even the tired animal or child will turn in a 

 moment from fatigue to play. It has also been 

 pointed out that imitation counts for a great deal 

 in animal play. The youngsters mimic in play 

 what they see their seniors doing in earnest. There 

 is truth in this, but it cannot be the whole truth. 



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