THE EVOLUTION OF SEX 51 



evolution, and lasted long after the necessity 

 for it was past. Perhaps even man has thus 

 to pay for his long pedigree, for the over- 

 production of both eggs and sperms, though 

 relatively moderated as compared with lower 

 animals, still remains a main difficulty of 

 individual and of social life, albeit also a 

 potent factor in their progress. 



PHYSICAL FONDNESS. A further step is 

 represented by those animals which show the 





Fio. 10. Crested Newt Triton or Molge cristatus. M, the 

 male with a scolloped dorsal median fin ; F, the female 

 without a crest. They differ greatly in coloration. 



beginnings of sex-behaviour. The note of 

 physical fondness is sounded. In diverse 

 forms there is a courtship of touch, often 

 prolonged and not without its refinements. 

 The male may play with the female, caressing 

 her, it may be dancing before her. Some of 

 the newts illustrate this grade of behaviour, 

 the males touching, fondling, and embrac- 

 ing the females, and doubtless thereby fanning 

 the fire of sexual excitement (see Fig 10). The 

 case is of especial interest since there is no 



