FIGHTING IN NATURE 237 



adversaries. Why does it not do so ? Because the 

 instinct of self-preservation is implanted in it so 

 firmly. 



This instinct teaches it never to resist an attack, no 

 matter how feeble the attacker be. 



The object of the attack, provided it have no nest to 

 defend, has everything to lose and nothing to gain by 

 resisting the attack and giving battle. It matters 

 Uttle to a golden eagle on the look-out for quarry in 

 which direction it flies ; hence if, while it is sailing 

 through the air, it is suddenly attacked by a couple of 

 infuriated ravens, the obvious course is for it to 

 change the direction of its flight. If it fail to do this 

 it must either run the risk of being severely pecked by 

 the ravens or fight them and thereby expose itself 

 to injury. Under the circumstances it naturally 

 chooses the line of least resistance. 



It is absurd to speak of a bird that behaves in this 

 manner as being defeated in battle. It does not suffer 

 defeat. It merely declines to give battle. 



The general rule in nature is, " Never fight when a 

 fight can be avoided." 



This rule is unconsciously followed by all birds; 

 except those that have nests. 



The most familiar example of the rule in operation 

 is the well-known habit of birds of surrendering their 

 perches to new-comers. When individual A flies to a 

 perch occupied by individual B the latter almost 

 invariably gives way without demur. The particular 

 perch is of no value to the occupier, but a whole body 

 may be a matter of life or death. 



