MILCH MARES 103 



of Asia. Since then it has been found that 

 cows gave more and better milk than mares. 



As the wild game migrated between their 

 high summer range and their lowland wintering 

 grounds the savage tribes followed in search of 

 meat. With the beginning of the pastoral age 

 the need was urgent of moving the flocks and 

 herds between the summer and the winter 

 pastures. But as yet there were no beasts of 

 draught or burden to carry the tribal camp. 

 That meant the keeping of two camp equip- 

 ments, or maybe a camp upon the highlands to 

 supplement the village in the lowlands ; and 

 it was doubtful poHcy to leave valuable tents 

 as a prey for marauding rivals. A larger and a 

 bitter need arose when the tribe must move, 

 and old folk who lacked the strength to travel 

 must be left behind. There is nothing so 

 terrible in savage life as the necessity of leaving 

 old men and women exposed upon a hilltop 

 after the tribe has moved. The poor old thing 

 is provided with warm robes, a fire, fuel, water 

 and some food, but as the days pass the last 

 cinders, carefully raked together, sink to dust, 

 and the cautious wolves close in for the final rush. 



Savages love as we do, think as we do, and 

 their life which has for us some glamour of 

 romance is full for them of sordid reaHsm. So 



