. The study of animal life . might whichlies behind these, or with the warble of the nightingale,the carol of the thrush, the larks blithe lay, or the mocking-birds nocturne, and the emotional wealth which these ex-press, the challenges and calls of love among other classesof animals are apt to seem lacking in force or beauty. Butour human judgment affords no sure criterion. The frogsand newts, which lead on an average a somewhat sluggishlife, wake up at pairing time, and croak according to theirstrength. The males are often furnished with two reson-ating sacs at the back of the mouth, and how
. The study of animal life . might whichlies behind these, or with the warble of the nightingale,the carol of the thrush, the larks blithe lay, or the mocking-birds nocturne, and the emotional wealth which these ex-press, the challenges and calls of love among other classesof animals are apt to seem lacking in force or beauty. Butour human judgment affords no sure criterion. The frogsand newts, which lead on an average a somewhat sluggishlife, wake up at pairing time, and croak according to theirstrength. The males are often furnished with two reson-ating sacs at the back of the mouth, and how they can croakdwellers by marsh-land know ; the North American bull-frog bellows by himself, and the South American tree-frogshold a concert in the branches. Of the mating of fishes we know little, but there are somewell-known cases alike of display and of tournament. Thestickleback fights with his rivals, leads his mate tc CHAP. VI The Domestic Life of Animals 99 the nest by captivating wiles, dances round her in a frenzy,. Fig. 21.—Male and female bird of paradise (Paradisea tninor). (From Evolu-tion of Sex ; after Catalogue of Dresden Museum.) and afterwards guards the eggs with jealous care. The loo The Study of Animal Life part i male salmon, with their hooked lower jaws, fight with theirrivals, sometimes to the death. Among insects the love-play is again very lively. Likebirds, many of these active animals are very beautiful incolour and form, especially in the male sex, and a display ofcharms has often been noticed. Like birds, though in adifferent fashion, some of them are musical, using theirhard legs and wing-edges as instruments. The cricketschirp merrily, the cicadas sing, and the death-watch tapsat the door of his mate. In the summer night, when colours are put out by thedarkness, the glow-worm shines brightly on the mossy the British species (^Lampyris tioctilucd) the wingedmale and the wingless female are both luminous ; the latterindeed excels in brig
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