Some Dangers of the Forest 149 



different results to those which would follow 

 when the animal was in a normal condition. 



The recuperative powers of the forest tribes 

 will appear amazing to those whose acquaintance 

 is only with domestic animals, though these 

 may be of allied species. In the same way, 

 uncivilized man shows a fortitude, even an 

 indifference to injuries which would incapaci- 

 tate one born and bred in more artificial 

 surroundings. Nature may indeed be cruel 

 in order to prevent racial deterioration in her 

 creatures ; she may promptly destroy the unfit 

 and diseased ; but she aids in the recovery of 

 those who through accident are thrown for a 

 time on her mercy. Nature, in short, takes 

 or saves life in a beneficent effort for the com- 

 mon welfare, while mankind assumes the same 

 responsibility for the benefit of the individual. 



The naturalist will not have many oppor- 

 tunities of watching the behaviour of animals 

 when suffering from severe injuries unless 

 these are inflicted intentionally by man or beast ; 

 for only in the latter cases does the hunter 

 follow up his advantage at once and so prevent 



