3i6 M THE GUIANA 



at the end of palm fronds to defend it from snakes 

 and opossums. It is interesting to note that the 

 callow young of wild birds are not attacked by ants ; 

 cage birds and chickens often suffer from these 

 tiny pests and so do our babies. We have not yet 

 found out the reason, but possibly there may be 

 something repellant in the young bird ; cleanli- 

 ness would naturally conduce to the result. For 

 self-defence alligators have thick skins, fishes 

 scales, plates, cuirasses, spines, and electric 

 organs. Horns and hoofs are protective, as are 

 also shaggy coverings, and specially the quills of 

 the porcupine. Coloration to suit the habitat 

 is everywhere patent ; it is very important as a 

 defence. 



As every species has its place in the great 

 realm of nature it is absolutely necessary that it 

 be continued ; it follows, therefore, that the sexual 

 law or instinct is almost as strong as the desire 

 for food among the higher plants and animals. 

 It is not this, however, that is everything ; only 

 the lower organisms bring forth their young in a 

 condition to provide for themselves. The higher 

 the being the more helpless is its offspring ; the 

 little ones would die if left alone. Even plants 

 make provision for their babies in the shape of 

 albumen and starch ; this store is utilised until 



