276 WILD TRAITS IN TAME ANIMALS. 



We see here that, as in the cackhng of the 

 hen, and in many other psychic traits which 

 we have been discussing, changed conditions 

 may transform what was originally a virtue 

 into a vice. 



Doubtless the continual clucking of the brood- 

 ing hen serves the same general purpose as 

 the grunting of the pig. When a brood is 

 abroad among the grass searching for food, 

 the chicks would be in great danger of wan- 

 dering and losing their mother if it were not 

 for this incessant intimation of her whereabouts. 

 Concerning the purpose originally served by 

 the crowing of the cock I am somewhat in 

 doubt. Doubtless it is a splendid piece of 

 advertisement, and, like the trumpet - blast of 

 the days of chivalry, is a most telling way of 

 proclaiming a victory or of challenging all and 

 sundry to single combat. But when we analyse 

 any natural trait in animals, we must remember 

 that nature is absolutely utilitarian. She does 

 not spend a farthing upon advertisement unless 

 she clears a profit by so doing. Neither does 

 she indulge in any "freaks" or superfluities, 

 in spite of numerous expressions of opinion to 

 the contrary. We know that, in some way or 



