26 THE COURTSHIP OF ANIMALS 



would now occur to derange the harmonious routine of 

 the daily life, save only the ever-present jealousy of the 

 head of the family which was assailable both from within 

 and without. His sons and daughters were probably 

 now regarded as a portion of his wealth, for they ministered 

 to his comfort, and aided in the daily work which had 

 now become a necessity. As his sons attained to maturity, 

 so they became rivals to be watched with a jealous eye, 

 and finally driven off, while his daughters at the same 

 time became potential mates. This danger of close inter- 

 marriage was a real one, though it cannot be supposed 

 that it was in any way realized. The risk was evaded 

 by perfectly natural means. The jealousy of the head 

 of the family which drove him to expel his sons as they 

 attained maturity provided the means. These young 

 bachelors sought their mates from neighbouring families, 

 and it is probable that they would not be hard to lure 

 from their parental control, but in such matters force 

 was able to effect where persuasion failed. 



These mate hunting excursions are to be regarded as 

 extremely powerful factors in securing the betterment of 

 the race. They were adventures in which all must fail 

 who did not possess courage, cunning, and brawn, for, 

 paradoxical as it may seem, evolution depends, not so 

 much on the qualities of the individual as on the elimina- 

 tion of the unfit. As yet might was right. But the 

 strife of combat, fierce and merciless, had its beneficial 

 results not only in weeding out the physically and 

 mentally deficient, but in stimulating affection between 

 the victor and his prize. 



As the advantages of neighbourliness dawned upon these 

 children of nature, rules and regulations, for the control 

 of the individual on behalf of the good order of the com- 



