The Descent of Man

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 that the men rarely marry
till twenty years old or more, as before that
age they cannot conquer their rivals.
Other similar facts could be given; but even if
we had no evidence on this head, we might feel
almost sure, from the analogy of the higher
Quadrumana (23. On the fighting of the male
gorillas, see Dr. Savage, in 'Boston Journal of
Natural History,' vol. v. 1847, p. 423. On Presbytis
entellus, see the 'Indian Field,' 1859, p.
146.), that the law of battle had prevailed with