268 THE MINDS AND MANNERS 



of newly discovered herds of walrus, seals and sea birds that 

 through isolation knew no fear, and were easily clubbed to 

 death en masse. 



Wild creatures generally subscribe to the political principle 

 that in union there is strength. In the minds of wild animals, 

 birds and reptiles, great numbers of individuals massed to- 

 gether make for general security from predatory attacks. The 

 herd with its many eyes and ears feels far greater security, and 

 less harrowing fear, than the solitary individual who must 

 depend upon his own two pair. The herd members relax and 

 enjoy life; but the solitary bear, deer, sheep, goat or elephant 

 does not. His nerves always are strung up to concert pitch, 

 and while he feeds or drinks, or travels, he watches his step. 

 A moving object, a strange-looking object, a strange sound or a 

 queer scent in the air instantly fixes his attention, and demands 

 analysis. 



On the North American continent the paramount fear of the 

 wild animal is aroused to its highest pitch by what is called 

 "man scent." And really, from the Battery to the North Pole, 

 there is good reason for this feeling of terror, and high wisdom 

 in fleeing fast and far. 



Said a wise old Ojibway Indian to Arthur Heming: 



"My son, when I smell some men, and especially some white 

 men, I never blame the animals of the Strong Woods for taking 

 fright and running away!" 



And civilization also has its terrors, as much as the wilder- 

 ness. 



The fox, no matter what is the color of his coat, or his given 

 name, is the incarnation of timidity and hourly fear. The 

 nocturnal animals go abroad and work at night solely because 

 they are afraid to work in the daytime. The beaver will cheer- 

 fully work in daytime if there is no prospect of observation or 

 interference by man. The eagle builds in the top of the tallest 

 tree, and the California condor high up on the precipitous 

 side of a frightful canyon wall, because they are afraid of the 



