tit THE SERVICE OF TAILS ce) 
others, a prominent part is often assigned to the tail 
as a badge of identity, especially among mammals 
and birds. In many species of mammals it is con- 
spicuously colored above, but is white underneath, 
in which case it is likely to be carried erect. 
Deer, goats, and certain antelopes are good ex- 
amples; and their white cocked-up tails are the 
most noticeable part of them as they flee away, 
forming an unmistakable mark to guide ‘their 
companions whose safety lies in keeping in a close 
herd. Our common little gray rabbit, or “ Molly 
Cotton-tail,” is another good example; and a still 
more striking one is afforded by the skunk, as is 
explained in the chapter on that interesting ani- 
mal. Such badges are called “ recognition colors”’; 
and their primary purpose —if the correctness of 
the theory be conceded—is to bring the sexes 
together. I have spoken of tails of this conspicu- 
ous sort as serving the purpose of marriage- 
advertisements to their wearers. 
This term applies even more exactly to the 
adornments of the tail (or tail coverts) of many 
birds, such as are seen in the resplendent fan of 
the peacock, the immensely long and exquisitely 
ocellated trains of the argus and other oriental 
pheasants, the lustrous expanse of the wild turkey, 
and in many other large birds, which display these 
ornaments to their fullest extent, while they pose 
and strut before the females to attract their 
preference. But there are many smaller birds in 
