SEXUAL SELECTION . 283 



a larger number of offspring than the retarded females, 

 which would be compelled to unite with the conquered and 

 less powerful males, supposing the sexes to be numerically 

 equal; and this is all that is wanted to add, in the course of 

 successive generations, to the size, strength, and courage 

 of the males, or to improve their weapons. 



But in very many cases the males which conquer their 

 rivals do not obtain possession of the females, independently 

 of the choice of the latter. The courtship of animals is by 

 no means so simple and short an affair as might be thought. 

 The females are most excited by, or prefer pairing with, 

 the more ornamented males, or those which are the best 

 songsters, or play the best antics; but it is obviously proba- 

 ble that they would at the same time prefer the more vig- 

 orous and lively males, and this has in some cases been 

 confirmed by actual observation.' Thus the more vigoroas 

 females, which are the first to breed, will have the choice 

 of many males; and, though they may not always select 

 the strongest or best armed, they will select those which 

 are vigorous and well armed, and in other respects the most 

 attractive. Both sexes, therefore, of such early pairs would, 

 as above explained, have an advantage over others in rear- 

 ing offspring; and this apparently has sufficed during a long 

 course of generations to add not only to the strength and 

 fighting powers of the males, but likewise to their various 

 ornaments or other attractions. 



In the converse and much rarer case of the males select- 

 ing particular females, it is plain that those which were 

 the most vigorous and had conquered others would have the 

 freest choice ; and it is almost certain that they would select 

 vigorous as wel} as attractive females. Such pairs would 

 have an advantage in rearing offspring, more especially if 



remarkable essay, "Anwendung den Darwin'schen Lehre auf Bienen," "Verb. 

 d. V. Jabrg.," xziz. p. 46. 



• With respect to poultry, I have received information, hereafter to be 

 Cpven, to this effect. Even with birds, such as pigeons, wliich pair for life, 

 the female, aa I hear from Or, Jenner Weir, will desert her mate if be is 

 injured or grows weak. 



