36 IN THE GUIANA FOREST. 



offence and defence, and taught itself how to wield 

 them to the best advantage. No species is armed 

 in exactly the same way as another, but every one 

 made his selection in some past age, and goes 

 on year after year making improvements as his 

 enemies become stronger. Why one should choose 

 to strangle his enemy, another to suck his blood, 

 and a third to smother him, it is hard to say, but 

 such differences exist. 



How firm and stately are these great monarchs 

 of the forest ! They have gained their positions 

 years ago, and are now strong enough to hold 

 their own. They have good armour, well tested, 

 have killed off thousands of younger rivals, and 

 might be thought secure. But no ! mere strength 

 may not overcome them, but craft will. Like 

 Sinbad, they take some apparent weakling on 

 their shoulders, and he soon develops into another 

 " Old Man of the Sea." When the forest giant gets 

 old and feeble his enemies come round him in 

 force. He can no longer continue the great 

 struggle, and quickly succumbs, perhaps to two or 

 three of his own children who have grown up under 

 his shadow. 



In the midst of such a fight it naturally follows 

 that every generation becomes stronger and more 

 fit for the struggle. Every experience of the 



