320 IN THE GUIANA FOREST 



with procreation. First there is the fighting of 

 polygamous animals with each other and, second, 

 the guarding of the young against all enemies. 

 The old Roman in fighting for the Sabine women 

 represents the one aspect and his battle-cry, 

 Pro ares et foces> the other. 



The best example of fighting for the females 

 is probably that of the stag. Its horns are 

 evidently fitted for the struggle which takes place 

 once a year when he gathers his harem together. 

 When this has passed the horns drop off and the 

 new ones are tender until the rutting time comes, 

 when they are again required. Here we have 

 weapons that are required at a particular time 

 and they are ready for use only at that time. 

 Other weapons of the male, such as the spurs 

 of a cock and the horns of the ram, are not shed, 

 but they are evidently suited for fighting and are 

 distinctly connected with polygamy. Wild bulls 

 and stallions are not provided with special 

 weapons, but it is noticeable that they are always 

 stronger and fiercer than the females. 



Fighting for the young is natural. When a 

 mother neglects her babe we say she is unnatural, 

 and we are right. This is the main basis of war 

 and has led to the legal definitions of property. 

 In animals we have the germ of this ; the lair or 



