extraordinary length in both sexes, often reaching almost to the
ground; and this is likewise the case with some of the N. American
tribes. In the amount of hair, and in the general shape of the body,
the sexes of the American aborigines do not differ so much from each
other, as in most other races. (20. Prof. and Mrs. Agassiz ( Journey in
Brazil, p. 530) remark that the sexes of the American Indians differ
less than those of the negroes and of the higher races. See also
Rengger, ibid. p. 3, on the Guaranys.) This fact is analogous with what
occurs with some closely allied monkeys; thus the sexes of the
chimpanzee are not as different as those of the orang or gorilla. (21.
Rutimeyer, Die Grenzen der Thierwelt; eine Betrachtung zu Darwin s
Lehre, 1868, s. 54.)
In the previous chapters we have seen that with mammals, birds, fishes,
insects, etc., many characters, which there is every reason to believe
were primarily gained through sexual selection by one sex, have been
transferred to the other. As this same form of transmission has
apparently prevailed much with mankind, it will save useless repetition
if we discuss the origin of characters peculiar to the male sex
together with certain other characters common to both sexes.
LAW OF BATTLE.
With savages, for instance, the Australians, the women are the constant
cause of war both between members of the same tribe and between
distinct tribes. So no doubt it was in ancient times; nam fuit ante
Helenam mulier teterrima belli causa. With some of the North American
Indians, the contest is reduced to a system. That excellent observer,
Hearne (22. A Journey from Prince of Wales Fort, 8vo. ed. Dublin,
1796, p. 104. Sir J. Lubbock ( Origin of Civilisation, 1870, p. 69)
gives other and similar cases in North America. For the Guanas of South
America see Azara, Voyages, etc. tom. ii. p. 94.), says: It has ever
been the custom among these people for the men to wrestle for any woman
to whom they are attached; and, of course, the strongest party always
carries off the prize. A weak man, unless he be a good hunter, and
well-beloved, is seldom permitted to keep a wife that a stronger man
thinks worth his notice. This custom prevails throughout all the
tribes, and causes a great spirit of emulation among their youth, who
are upon all occasions, from their childhood, trying their strength and
skill in wrestling. With the Guanas of South America, Azara states
584