so WILD TRAITS IN TAME ANIMALS. 



and is suspicious of every one who comes near 

 him, evidently having the notion that what is 

 to him a valuable possession is likely to be 

 regarded as such by his human associates. Few 

 dogs when gnawing a bone will allow even 

 their masters to approach without showing signs 

 of displeasure and a fear of being dispos- 

 sessed of their property only consistent with 

 the idea that the bipedal "dog" wants to gnaw 

 the bone himself 



Every one has noticed the elaborate prelim- 

 inaries which go before a canine battle. Teeth 

 are ostentatiously displayed, the animals walk 

 on tiptoe round one another, and erect the 

 hair on their backs as if each wished to ofive 

 the impression that he was a very large and 

 formidable dog, and one not to be encountered 

 with impunity. Frequently hostilities go no 

 'further than this, one animal turning and re- 

 tiring with a great show of dignity, but plainly 

 with no wish to fight. 



When we come to analyse such proceedino-s, 

 it will be seen that the ends of battle are 

 often gained in a bloodless manner by this 

 diplomatic exhibition of warlike preparations 

 and capabilities. One primary object of a hos- 



