CHAPTER X 



THE OFFENSIVE AND DEFENSIVE 

 WEAPONS OF ANIMALS 



NO matter how much we may depreciate or 

 repudiate the maxim that ' might is right,' 

 yet, notwithstanding, there can be no doubt that 

 the possession of fighting weapons, and the ability 

 to wield them, enables all living creatures, both 

 human and otherwise, to assert their rights in a 

 manner which, to say the least, commands respect ; 

 and, to quote the words of Lowell : — 



Twun't d/u to think thet killin' ain't perlite, — 

 You've gut to be in aimest, ef you fight. 



Although mankind has devised many instruments 

 for offensive and defensive purposes, yet without 

 them he is very badly provided with fighting wea- 

 pons in comparison to those which Natxire has 

 bestowed upon the vast majority of the lower mem- 

 bers of creation. The teeth of human beings, for 

 instance, are not adapted for tearing and rending 

 asunder as are those of many other mammals ; 

 while the nails are but puny instruments when 



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