a ae 
20 MOSTLY MAMMALS 
purpose of warning off foes, both sexes in the above 
instances having formidable weapons of offence and defence, 
and being thus perfectly capable of taking care of themselves. 
Probably the black hue of the Asiatic buffaloes and of 
the typical race of their African relatives was originally 
developed in the same manner and for the same purpose 
as in the case of the sable antelope. It may, however, 
now have acquired a higher significance, and be connected 
with the general prevalence of blackness among large hoofed 
mammals, such as elephants, rhinoceroses, hippopotamuses, 
buffaloes, and, to a great extent, tapirs. Among such 
animals it will not fail to be noticed that in many instances 
both sexes are armed with either horns or tusks; and 
that where such weapons have been discarded the animals 
are sufficiently protected either by their huge bodily bulk 
or by the nature of their haunts. Although we have the 
testimony of many sportsmen as to the difficulty of seeing 
an Indian elephant, even at close quarters, when in thick 
covert, we have yet to learn whether the prevalence of a 
black or dark grey skin among so many of the larger 
mammals is or is not for the purpose of protection. But 
since large herds of animals thus coloured are frequently 
to be met with in open country, it has probably been 
developed for some other purpose, although what this may 
be it is difficult even to conjecture. 
Returning once more to deer, and taking first the case 
of the fallow-deer, which (with the exception of the dark 
race) is spotted in summer and uniformly coloured in winter, 
there seems no doubt that the dappled summer coat is 
for the purpose of harmonising with the chequered shade 
cast by the leafy boughs of the trees under which the 
animals are wont to repose. This harmony has doubtless 
been noticed by many of my readers, and is well expressed 
