THE SOCIOLOGY OF ANIMALS.
By James F. Richards
AMONG some animals a number of families will join together, forming a tribe, or clan. This is governed by a leader, or chieftain, generally chosen from among the older males. The choice is either dependent upon mental or physical superiority, or the head of the family from which the tribe emanates is chosen. Such forms of government exist among several different kinds of birds and mammals, including parrots, wild horses, bison, beavers, monkeys, deer, and others. Where the tribe has enemies to face, as well as journeys to take, the leader must be a warrior of unusual strength and bravery, besides a capable general, thoroughly acquainted with the surrounding country, and able to look after the welfare of the tribe, by reason of his farsightedness and astuteness. Thus the American bison were usually led by a male, old in experience and fearless in battle. The monkey tribes require an unusual amount of sagacity and astuteness on the part of their leader. He must be able to lead them to good feeding grounds, and preserve peace in their midst. In this form of government the leaders are not the only members of the executive department. Besides these there are outposts, guards, and soldiers. The sentinels take regular turns in guarding the tribe during both day and night, and are expected to warn their fellows when danger is near. The communities of beavers, deer, monkeys, and bison, always have one or more sentinels on the lookout for danger, and the huntsman must first either slay or elude these, if he desires to come within gunshot range of his game. At a certain signal from the sentinel, who is usually posted at some point from which he can command a good view of the surrounding country, the whole tribe either fly for a place of safety or make ready to defend themselves. In the latter case the young are huddled together with the breeding females, while the males, or soldiers, prepare for battle. The duty of the outposts is most important when the tribe is traveling, for they go ahead, finding suitable roads for travel, and keeping a sharp lookout for approaching danger. The power of the chief is supreme. It is he who directs the course to be taken in travel, and decides upon flight or battle in case of attack. Insubordination is always severely punished, frequently by death; but should the reigning chief prove untrustworthy, he is usually challenged to battle by a new aspirant for power, and the victor is made leader.—Home and Country (New York) for May.