CHAPTER II. 



TROPHIES. 



349. Efficiency of every kind is a source of self- 

 satisfaction; and proofs of it are prized as bringing 

 applause. The sportsman, rial-rating his feats when 

 opportunity serves, keeps such spoils of the chase as he con 

 veniently can. Is he a fisherman? Then, occasionally, 

 the notches cut on the butt of his rod, show the number 

 and lengths of his salmon; or, in a glass case, there is pre 

 served the great Thames-trout he once caught. Has he 

 stalked deer? Then in his hall, or dining-room, are fixed 

 up their heads; which he greatly esteems when the attached 

 horns have &quot; many points*&quot; Still more, if a successful hun 

 ter of tigers, does he value the skins demonstrating his 

 prowess. 



Trophies of such kinds, even among ourselves, give to 

 their owner some influence over those around him. .V 

 traveller who has brought from Africa a pair of elephant s 

 tusks, or the formidable horn of a rhinoceros, impresses 

 those who come in contact with him as a man of courage 

 and resource, and, therefore, as one not to be trifled with. 

 A vague kind of governing power accrues to him. 



Naturally, by primitive men, whose lives are predatory 

 and whose respective values largely depend on their 

 powers as hunters, animal-trophies are still more prized; 

 and tend, in greater degrees, to bring honour and influence. 

 Hence the fact that rank in Vate is indicated by the nuin- 



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