DOMESTICATION OF ANIMALS 



219 



(Narrative of an Explorer in Tropical South Africa). . . . Two of 

 the most striking features of the savage character are recklessness 

 and greed. Being quite unable to make provision for the future, 

 or even to realize the wants of the future, the savage con- 

 sumes in disgusting orgies the produce of a successful hunt. 

 A stroke of luck, such as the capture of a big herd of game, 

 simply means an opportunity for gorging. But even the savage 

 capacity for food has its limits; and, in exceptionally good 



Fig. 1156. Reindeer (Rangifer tarandus) 



seasons, there is a superfluity of game. A civilized man would 

 strain every nerve to store the surplus away against future 

 wants. The savage simply wastes it; partly because he knows 

 that meat will not keep, partly because he cannot realize the 

 needs of the future. The ' pemmican ' or sun-dried meat of 

 the Red Indian, and his * caches ' or buried hoards, are the 

 limits of the savage capacity for storing up against a rainy 

 day. But if the savage is reckless and greedy, he is often 

 affectionate and playful. If he has had as much food as he 

 can eat, he will amuse himself by playing with his captives 

 instead of killing them. At first, no doubt, there is a good 



