230 NATURAL HISTORY. 



who strike obliquely upwards, nor are his tusks for 

 other purposes, except to defend himself, as he is not 

 naturally a carnivorous animal. So the horns of the 

 stag are sharp to offend his adversary, but are branched 

 for the purpose of parrying or receiving the thrusts of 

 horns similar to his own, and have therefore been 

 formed for the purpose of combating other stags for the 

 exclusive possession of the females; who are observed, 

 like the ladies in the times of chivalry, to attend the 

 car of the victor. 



'The birds which do not carry food to their young, 

 and do not therefore marry, are armed with spurs for 

 the purpose of fighting for the exclusive possession of 

 the females, as cocks and quails. It is certain that 

 these weapons are not provided for their defence against 

 other adversaries, because the females of these species 

 are without this armour. The final cause of this 

 contest among the males seems to be, that the 

 strongest and most active animal should propagate the 

 species, which should thence become improved. 



'Another great want consists in the means of pro- 

 curing food, which has diversified the forms of all 

 species of animals. Thus the nose of the swine has 

 become hard for the purpose of turning up the soil 

 in search of insects and of roots. The trunk of the 

 elephant is an elongation of the nose for the purpose 

 of pulling down the branches of trees for his food, and 

 for taking up water without bending his knees. Beasts 

 of prey have acquired strong jaws or talons. Cattle 

 have acquired a rough tongue and a rough palate to 

 pull off the blades of grass, as cows and sheep. 



