90 THE ZOOLOGIST. 
theories are held as suggestions and not as facts we cannot com- 
plain, especially when they are the result of careful observation 
and deliberate thought as are those in this volume. We can only 
refer to some, and must leave their consideration to the reader, 
who will also meet with the arguments for the propositions. The 
speed and endurance of the Horse is considered to have been 
primitively acquired by the pursuit of wolves. ‘‘ The wild horses 
which in ancient times swarmed over nearly all the great plains 
of the world, and from which all our modern steeds have sprung, 
would never have developed the swiftness and staying power which 
they undoubtedly possessed before they became captives,” save 
for the persecution of the ‘‘ grim grey wolf,” with his ‘‘ perpetual 
hunger and untiring gallop.” The dread of asses to entering 
running water, which Darwin considered as indicating that the 
Ass originally came from a region where water was scarce, is 
differently interpreted by Dr. Robinson: ‘‘ Crocodiles and similar 
reptiles were much more plentiful in the past than they are now. 
The rivers in all the warmer parts of the world once swarmed 
with them. If, as is probable, the wild asses’ forefathers have 
inhabited a Crocodile-infested country ever since the Tertiary 
epoch, they must have had business relations (of a very unprofit- 
able sort for the poor jackass) with these voracious saurians for 
hundreds of thousands of years. It would be a matter for 
surprise, especially when we consider the rigidly conservative 
principles of the donkey tribe, if such a connection had left no 
traces in the instinctive habits of the race.” The original 
progenitor of the “‘ tabby” Cat is considered as having been a 
‘distinct natural variety which no longer exists as a wild 
animal.” This animal—a true tabby—it is suggested is a 
“remarkable instance” of “protective mimicry,” inasmuch as 
when curled up asleep it resembles the appearance of a coiled 
serpent. 
We will conclude with one observation made on less debate- 
able ground, which our author believes ‘‘ has not been alluded to 
by any naturalist.” It relates to the alliance of the Redshank 
and the Lapwing. ‘“‘The herdsmen of the Essex marshes are 
well aware of this compact, and if they find a Redshank’s nest 
they invariably search about with the expectation of finding the 
eggs of a Plover within a few yards’ distance.” 
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