204 Evolution and Adaptation 
excepting at this season. As the throats (z.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, 
