THE DOG. 51 



tile meeting between dogs (as well as between 

 higher animals) is to decide a question of pre- 

 cedence, either general or particular. Now, if 

 we could only settle which was the best man 

 in any dispute by duels a outrance, a great deal 

 of blood would be needlessly shed, and many 

 valuable lives lost to the community. This 

 introduction of moral weapons among social 

 animals is therefore a great point gained, for 

 injury to one is injury to all. The quick re- 

 cognition of the superiority of a foe, and the 

 perception of when submission should take the 

 place of valour, is plainly of advantage to the 

 individual, since a pig-headed obstinacy in re- 

 sistance would frequently lead to elimination. 

 Where in the serious business of life there is 

 an interdependence of individuals associated for 

 common ends, any influence which lessens the 

 severity of civil conflicts tends to the general 

 wellbeing. Just as commanding officers have 

 forbidden duels between members of an army 

 in the field, so nature has among gregarious 

 animals, and more especially among formidable 

 carnivores, discountenanced internecine conflicts 

 which might weaken the general efficiency of 

 the pack. 



