144 THE PLAY OP ANIMALS. 



abused his advantage, but contented himself with keep- 

 ing his head close under the dog's throat, out of danger 

 of a bite." 



I have already referred to the fact that animals not 

 inclined for fighting, except for defence, are as fond 

 of playful contests in their youth as are the most dan- 

 gerous and aggressive beasts of prey. In such cases we 

 must expect to find in preparation for courtship the 

 leading if not the only reason for such fighting. Young 

 horses, donkeys, zebras, etc, tear madly over the plains, 

 rear up at each other, strike with head and fore feet 

 at one another's legs and neck. Calves, too, fight ob- 

 stinately, approaching each other with lowered head, 

 each trying to push the other back. Goats fight in the 

 same way, and they too often measure strength in 

 friendly rivalry. If the contest becomes earnest, they 

 commonly rise on their hind feet and exert all their 

 strength for a side push. 



I have seen two Madagascar monkeys wrestling to- 

 gether just as dogs do, except that the play became 

 more complicated from their being able to hold on with 

 hands and feet. 



Every one knows how lambs frisk and play about a 

 meadow. Kids play just as the goats do, while young 

 deer rise on their hind feet and strike out with the front 

 ones.* 



According to Steller, young sea bears also play and 

 quarrel like puppies. The father stays by and watches 

 them, and if a quarrel begins in earnest he urges them 

 on with growls, and kisses and licks the victor, then 

 pushes him to the ground, and is pleased if he resists. 

 It is worthy of remark that seals, whose young, it seems, 



* A. and K. Miiller, Thiere der Heimath, i, p. 422. 



