MANIFESTED IN THE ANIMAL KINGDOM 85 



indirectly through the reproductive system itself being 

 disturbed. Moreover, numerous cases have been given 

 of varieties which couple freely under confinement, 

 but never conceive ; or, if they conceive and produce 

 young, these are fewer in number than is natural to the 

 species." l 



Observe that the effect of confinement on the fertility 

 of wild animals is exactly similar to the effect of confine- 

 ment on the fertility of the domestic fowl. There is, 

 therefore, no reason to assume any mysterious psychological 

 effect apart from the effects of high-feeding and lack of 

 exercise. So, as fowls are more fertile when obtaining 

 plenty of physical exercise and a moderate quantity of 

 food, we should expect a similar result from wild animals 

 in confinement. And this we do find. 



" Notice has frequently been called to the fact that 

 lions are so constantly bred and reared in the various 

 travelling menageries under what most persons consider 

 great difficulties and disadvantages. 



" It must be borne in mind, however, that the circum- 

 stances under which they exist are most favourable to 

 them, as they are constantly being roused and moved 

 about from place to place, sometimes with a reduced 

 quantity of food, until the courage and temper of the 

 animals become perfectly African. The natural instinct 

 and power being thus developed, the animals are far more 

 healthy and vigorous than the fat, well-fed, lazy, sleepy 

 occupants of the dens in the London Zoological Gardens." 2 



Thus we see that they react in exactly the same manner 

 as the domestic fowl to similar treatment. They will 

 no doubt be more healthy than the " fat, well-fed" animals 

 in the London Zoological Gardens ; but it is not a question 



1 Variation of Animals and Plants under Domestication f chap, xviii. 

 1 Wild Animals in Captivity, A, D. Bartlett. 



