The Fulton County news. [volume] (McConnellsburg, Pa.) 1899-current, 1907-03-14
NATURE the ARTIST
She Paints the Peacock and n
, Leopard---Not For Arts Sake n

II Is probable that the ancestors of
the peacock were completely clothed
In dull-colored feathers, Just as are
certain species of grouse and turkey
at the present day. But nature willed
that the peacock should become of all
birds the most magnificent. Thus, in
the second and third feathers of the
series we can trace dimiy a small col
ored spot in the centre of each. This
spot is the commencement of the eye
spot, and II we continue to pass the
feathers In review, we see this spot
grow larger and more brilliant. The
colors settle themselves, as 1t were.
into rings, the feather itself increas-
ing in size with every improvement
until, by closely linked stages, each
of which Is represented by an actual
feather in. the peacock's train, the
triumph of the perfect eye-spot is
reached.
Now II, as seems highly probable,
we have just been treated toa glimpse
Of the innumerable stages of gradual
improvement through which this
wonderful ornament was brought to
perfection, we are justified in assert
Ing that the eye-spot is far from be-
ing thing of chance. II is obviously
the outcome of intention. Some mys-
terious power has been constantly at
work, age after age, with the definite
object of producing thing of superb
beauty. So far as our present knowl-
edge enables us to Judge, this power
consists In what we may call the in
herent tendency to vary which is
evinced by all living things. This is,
as 1t were, the motive force, but It is
harnessed, restrained and driven
along a definite channel by what Dar-
win called natural selection"
So much for the production of the
peacock's eye-spot; nor is there any
reason for doubt that the other re-
currences of the eye-spot In nature
are all the outcome of similar evo-
lutionary process. For, be It noted,
the distinction of the ocellus does not
belong only to birds. The mark is
present in crude form on the hides
OF certain mammals, such as the ia
guar, the leopard and the ocelot. Two
or three kinds of fish also show it.
The North American cared sunfish,
for instance, has in the breeding sea-
son beautiful and very perfect eye
spot just where one would expect to
find the ear of higher animal. It
is from this mark that the fish takes
Its popular name. Further, among
insects, especially among certain
groups of butterflies and moths, the
eye-spot is extremely common; while
1t is again recognizable on several
shells of the pretty cowrie group.
In every case of its recurrence the
eye-spot is not solely thing of beau
ty, but it also has some definite and
utilitarian connection with the life
histories of those creatures which
possess 1t.
Take first the mammals. 1t may
be said at once that the crude eye
markings on the hides of these big
cats are certainly protective. To those
who know the leopard and the jaguar
only as captives in geological eollec-
hunters and naturalists who have OBJ
served these creatures at home in for
est or jungle agree that the eye-spots
resemble closely patches of shade and
sunlight, cast upon the ground
through a screen of foliage. 1t only
remains to be said that the jaguar
and the leopard are both frequenters
of forest land, and the protective
value of their spotted hides becomes
obvious. Moreover, besides hiding
them from possible enemies, the eye
spots are of assistance to these beasts
when they are lying in wait for their
prey. Among the branches of tree
the jaguar is unobserved by its VIC
tim, which wanders unsuspectingly to
Its doom.
With birds there can be little
doubt that the eye-spot is an orna-
ment pure and simple, albeit an orna-
ment with very definite use. 1t
bears a most important part in bird
courtship. Birds are particularly
punctilious in all matters In connec-
ton with love-making, and 1t is inva-
riably the male who makes the first
advances. The female, especially in
the case of species where the male is
resplendently colored, is generally
coy and watchful. She makes 1t
clear to her suitor that she will not
surrender her liberty at once, and the
cock bird must make use of all the
charms with which nature has en-
dowed him ere he may possess him
self of his bride. Indeed, 1t may be
said that as a general rule the most
gorgeous and sprightly cock will find
the least difficulty in providing him
self with hen. These facts doubt
less account in great measure for the
brilliant colors and extraordinary or
naments which are so often the ex-
elusive characteristic of cock birds.
They account, also, for the eye-spot,
which is borne only by the male birds
and discarded by them at the molt
which succeeds the breeding season.
Those who have watched peafowl at
the period of their counting will know
well what an important part is played
by the wonderful tail of eye-spotted
feathers. The peacock struts and
dances before the Indifferent hen, and
manifests an absorbing desire to show
himself off to the best possible advan-
tage,
The peacock pheasant from Ceylon
is said to make use of its eye-spots to