CHAP. V. DEFENCES OF QUADRUPEDS. 1 31 



compensate, however, for this apparent deficiency in 

 the power of self-defence, we observe that the males 

 protect the females, and thus evince a degree of con- 

 jugal affection which is scarcely apparent in any other 

 order of quadrupeds, excepting, indeed, when defend- 

 ing their own progeny. From the ruminating tribe, we 

 proceed to the Camelopardalis, the camels, and the 

 horses. All these, in their native state, live in wide ex. 

 tended plains, where they can perceive danger at a con- 

 siderable distance, and avoid it by rapid flight . nor is 

 this all ; their hard and solid hoofs are employed as 

 natural and powerful clubs, wherewith, by kicking, to 

 repel their enemies : and that this is no trivial effort of 

 defence, is sufficiently apparent from the facts often 

 occurring of limbs and bones being broken by the kick 

 of a horse. Conscious, apparently, of the power of 

 union, these animals, in a wild state, herd together. 

 <e Whenever they are menaced by a ferocious beast, or 

 any other of their enemies, they instantly combine in 

 close order ; and if any succumb, it is generally the 

 weakest." Their principal enemies are the larger 

 FelintB, or the lion, tiger, panther, and leopard, which, 

 observes major Smith, " they generally escape with 

 facility, or resist with success. Their fleetness soon 

 leaves their pursuers at a distance, and they can strike 

 with the hinder feet with immense force, and bite with 

 great violence and effect.* The wariness and circum- 

 spection of these animals are extraordinary ; and both 

 form a part of that principle of self-preservation which 

 we are now illustrating. The wild horses of America 

 march in columns, these troops being headed by a 

 vigorous male chief, who is continually at their head 

 in travel or in battle, and is invariably followed under 

 all circumstances. When the herd is disturbed by any 

 object, they approach it within a certain distance, 

 having the strongest individuals at their head, examine 

 it attentively, and describe one or more circles round it. 

 If it does not appear dangerous, they approach with 



* Griff. Cuv. vol. iii. p. 138. 

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