Selous: The Nuptial Habits of the Blackcock 97 
of sexual selection, most significant. This dancing however, 
was uniformly so poor, compared with an example of it which 
I once saw in Norway, that its maximum development would 
appear to be only exceptional. 
(3) The actual fighting of the cocks was very little, com- 
pared with what may be called the make-believe of it, and, 
as is the case with the Ruff, showed evidence of deterioration, 
owing to the far greater—the paramount importance of the 
formal courtship, which alone influences the hen. The only 
way in which superior martial prowess might possibly have 
availed with her, was through the driving away by one suitor, 
-of rival suitors, but as the hen kept passing on over the arena, 
thus coming into the standing-places, upon it, of other males 
(for, as with the Ruff, each had his special one) by whom she 
was, in turn courted, while the mere act of pursuing any bird 
took the pursuer away from her, I do not think it can count for 
much, nor is it of the smallest use unless the courtship is pleasing. 
I saw a striking instance of this, in which the hen, having been 
twice thus prevented from giving effect to her choice, flew 
away as aconsequence. For the fighting of the cocks, as such, 
the hens cared nothing. Suitors could only recommend 
themselves through the prescribed form of courtship. 
(4) There was no attempt, on the part of the cock birds, to 
collect harems. The hens came in sparingly, and, having 
made their choice, flew away and were not followed—nor did 
they stay long if they found no bird to their liking. In England, 
more particularly, where the assembly was a larger one, the 
cocks always greatly outnumbered the hens. 
(5) All the notes of the male birds seemed to have reference 
to each other rather than to the hens. The courtship was 
gone through in silence, unless some note was uttered which 
was too low for me to hear. 
Of all this there is no mention in the article alluded to. 
Nothing is said about the anything but ‘ indifferent ’ conduct 
-of the hen, showing so clearly her power of choice—rigorously 
exercised—and consequent paramount position—all as inferred 
by Darwin, but still so constantly denied. Again we are told 
-of the cocks dancing to the hens—a mere frantic motion which 
-does not specially set off any of the special points of the plumage. 
No hint is given as to the totally different kind of display, in 
which all are carefully emphasised, by which the hen to be 
won, must be courted; and yet, strange to say, this display 
has been actually described, but unconsciously, in the letterpress 
devoted to the Pheasant—for the courting of both these birds 
is essentially (though not, of course, exactly) the same. How 
has all this error arisen? Very simply, asl imagine. Various 
authorities, having seen male Blackcocks jumping about in the 
morning, have assumed that this was their nuptial display 
1913 Feb. 1. 
