204 Evolution and Adaptation 



excepting at this season. As the throats {i.e. the larynx and 

 thyroid bodies) of stags periodically become enlarged at the 

 beginning of- the breeding season, it might be thought that 

 their powerful voices must be somehow of high importance 

 to them ; but this is very doubtful. From information given 

 to me by two experienced observers, Mr. McNeill and Sir P. 

 Egerton, it seems that young stags under three years old do 

 not roar or bellow ; and that the old ones begin bellowing at 

 the commencement of the breeding season, at first only occa- 

 sionally and moderately, whilst they restlessly wander about 

 in search of the females. Their battles are prefaced by loud 

 and prolonged bellowing, but during the actual conflict they 

 are silent. Animals of all kinds which habitually use their 

 voices utter various noises under any strong emotion, as 

 when enraged and preparing to fight ; but this may merely 

 be the result of nervous excitement, which leads to the spas- 

 modic contraction of almost all the muscles of the body, as 

 when a man grinds his teeth and clenches his fists in rage or 

 agony. No doubt stags challenge each other to mortal com- 

 bat by bellowing ; but those with the more powerful voices, 

 unless at the same time the stronger, better-armed, and more 

 courageous, would not gain any advantage over their rivals." 



" Some writers suggest that the bellowing serves as a call 

 to the female ; but the experienced observers above quoted 

 inform me that female deer do not search for the male, 

 though the males search eagerly for the females, as indeed 

 might be expected from what we know of the habits of other 

 male quadrupeds. The voice of the female, on the other 

 hand, quickly brings to her one or more stags, as is well 

 known to the hunters who in wild countries imitate her cry. 



"As the case stands, the loud voice of the stag during the 

 breeding season does not seem to be of any special service 

 to him, either during his courtship or battles, or in any other 

 way. But may we not believe that the frequent use of the 

 voice, under the strong excitement of love, jealousy, and rage, 



