THE LION AND HIS KIN 91 



manner from the spiral horns of ruminants, wherein one 

 presents a right, the other left-handed spiral. But what 

 purpose do these teeth serve ? This question has never 

 yet been definitely settled. Some hold that it is used to 

 break open breathing holes in the ice, for the animal lives 

 in the far north : others that it is used as a spear in 

 hunting prey. Some aver that it serves as a weapon of 

 offence, being used by rival males in their struggle for 

 mates. Scoresby, the explorer, indeed, says he has seen 

 young males in mock-battle, fencing with these remark- 

 able weapons. But until we have more satisfactory data, 

 we must regard this armature of the Narwhal as affording 

 another instance of a secondary sexual character of doubtful 

 value to its possessor. 



