COLOURS PRODUCED BY COURTSHIP 287 



Sexual Selection is still to some extent subjudice, 

 simply because the vast majority of those interested 

 in nature are either anatomists, microscopists, syste- 

 matists, or collectors. There are comparatively few 

 true naturalists men who would devote much time 

 and the closest study to watching living animals amid 

 their natural surroundings, and who would value a 

 fresh observation more than a beautiful dissection or 

 a rare specimen. I trust that it may not be supposed 

 that I in any way undervalue the immense importance 

 of these other subjects ; but there are certain problems 

 which they can never solve, and Sexual Selection is 

 one of these. 



The only reliable evidence on this subject can be obtained 

 frcm the study of wild animals in their natural sur- 

 roundings 



Some of the most beautiful sexual colours are 

 found among the butterflies, and the males are fre- 

 quently far more brightly coloured than the females. 

 Mr. Wallace has pointed out that the only direct 

 evidence is opposed to the theory that any choice is 

 exercised by the females. The evidence depends upon 

 the observations of several entomologists upon moths, 

 and especially those of Dr. Alexander Wallace, of Col- 

 chester, upon Bombyx cynthia. The strength of this 

 evidence is much shaken by the fact that the moths 

 were bred in captivity, and I think that the question 



