214 EVOLUTION IN THE PAST 



Some Welshmen of to-day may also be inheritors of the 

 blood. 



KELTS Successive waves of emigration from Asia brought in 

 time various so-called Keltic tribes to Europe, and a know- 

 ledge of bronze. But here we must draw to a close. Indeed, 

 while the dark-skinned agriculturists from Africa were 

 bringing new ideas to Europe, historic times were beginning 

 to run at least in Egypt. For on that long-trodden soil in 

 4400 B.C. more than two thousand years before the time of 

 Abraham Menes founded a dynasty. And there he reigned 

 over a well-civilised people, until a hippopotamus brought 

 his rule abruptly to an end. 



DECLINE OF The undignified death of the monarch was not portentous 

 BRUTE-LIFE of a turn in the fortunes of brute-life. Indeed, that life 

 had long been steadily declining, and it continued to do so. 

 This decline commenced probably in the Pliocene Period, was 

 accelerated in the Pleistocene, and has continued ever since. 

 To-day brute-life, except in a domesticated condition, is at 

 a very low ebb. This long-continued downward course is 

 doubtless in part ascribable to climatic changes and disease ; 

 but in its later stages it has beyond question been brought 

 about chiefly by man. The helplessness of wild-brute life has 

 been forcibly brought out of late. In some territories wild 

 beasts only continue to exist owing to Government 

 protection. 



How great the fall has been may also be gathered from 

 the present distribution and condition of some familiar 

 animals. Elephants, at one time consisting of many species, 

 were prosperous in Europe, Asia, Africa, and North and 

 South America. Now they are reduced to one African and 

 one Indian species. As the family has shown itself willing 

 enough and able to co-operate with man, the majestic old 

 line may long continue. Rhinoceroses, once ranging freely 

 over several continents, are now known only in restricted 

 areas of Africa, India, and the Malayan countries. Their 

 range, too, is bound to diminish, for the animals have no 

 stomach for civilisation, and are never likely to be seen 

 drawing the plough, or otherwise toiling in man's service. 

 Camels exist no longer in a truly wild state. Tapirs, once 



