264 THE ZOOLOGIST. 



In this generic action I see the small beginning out of which 

 the "dance" of the Blackcock has grown. The violent upward 

 jerk has been intensified into a spring — still accompanied with 

 the cry and flap of the wings* — which becomes, with some birds, 

 through repetition and acceleration, an extraordinary and frantic 

 performance. Probably its primary character of a defiance, or 

 challenge, to any rival male — as in the crow of the cock — is still 

 retained, but it does not appear to me likely that so violent a 

 pantomime would go, hand in hand, with an increased capacity 

 for actual fighting. More probably some of that energy, which 

 is now expended in the show of the things merely, formerly fed 

 the thing itself — the banner is at the expense of the war. 

 Fighting, without gain, must be a detriment to the species, 

 inasmuch as individuals may be injured or even killed through 

 it, but, on the other hand, some vent for volcanic force is needed, 

 and the best would be one which was, at once, adequate and 

 harmless. Inasmuch, therefore, as the hen is won by beauty, 

 and not by bravery, this pageant, or pantomime, of the male 

 Blackcock may have been evolved in accordance with the above 

 principles. Be this as it may, however, it is neither addressed, 

 nor does it appear to be of interest, to the female bird, but, on 

 the other hand, a totally different and very elaborate form of 

 display, in which she is interested, and by which she is won, is 

 addressed to her, and to her alone. 



How do the above facts affect the question of sexual selection ? 

 In my opinion, they speak, trumpet-tongued, in its favour, for 

 assuredly, were it superior " vigour " alone that produced the 

 spring-tide antics of the male bird, together with his more 

 brilliant colouring — were they but a safety-valve for sexual and 

 martial excitement — then the Blackcock has this in those free 

 and tremendous activities which make no part of his nuptial 

 display to the hen.t Here, indeed, is an outlet for super- 



* See ante, p. 256. 



-f- No more than in the case of the Buffs did I see any evidence of the 

 more " vigorous " males being preferred. This idea seems to me quite 

 delusive. Vigour is not a special characteristic of the display, which is 

 pompous and somewhat staid in its character. How, then, is the hen to gain 

 her ideas about vigour ? In the "dance " it might be different, but for this 

 she does not seem to care. 



