MY SOMALI BOOK 227 



nocturnal habits of the carnivora, it seems more than 

 possible that we have here the first clue to a solution 

 of the problem, in the fact that the zebra may have 

 been originally an inhabitant of the jungle to a far 

 greater extent than at present, and therefore in need 

 of a protective coat. Many observers have stated, 

 and Mr. Selous himself admits, that among trees 

 or in bush the zebra is by no means easy to see. 

 As in course of generations it took more and more to 

 the plains, as well as for another reason that will 

 presently appear, the necessity for this form of pro- 

 tection disappeared, hence the ability of the quagga 

 to dispense with its stripes in surroundings with which 

 they were not in keeping. 



There remains a difficulty of which it is necessary 

 to dispose, in the habits of the carnivora. And this 

 is to my mind the crux of Mr. Selous' argument. He 

 considers that the whole theory of protective coloura- 

 tion in the case of an animal like the zebra is put out 

 of court by two facts, {a) that the great carnivora hunt 

 by scent and not by sight; (6) that they hunt by 

 night. 



The first of these objections undoubtedly holds 

 good at the present day of the Canidm, but the great 

 enemy of the zebra is the lion, and with all deference 

 to Mr. Selous' great authority I maintain that it is 

 by no means certainly the case as regards the cat 

 tribe. In India, at any rate, I have no hesitation in 

 making the positive statement that both tiger and 

 panther hunt mainly by sight and hearing. My 

 belief is based on my own experience so far as it goes, 

 but I should not venture to urge it with such confidence 



