336 ANIMAL INSTINCTS. 



sistent with the new and clever expedients to which insects 

 and other animal agents so frequently resort, under unusual 

 circumstances, which their ordinary modes of proceeding are 

 not calculated to meet. No one, on the other hand, ever, we 

 suppose, attempted to assert that the animal mind is one of 

 pure rationality. Assuming, then, that it is composed of in- 

 stinct and of a something else, which, if it be not REASON, is 

 very difficult to distinguish from it, let us look, first, a little 

 closer into the nature of the instinctive principle itself; make 

 then a brief selection from such common habitudes among 

 insects as would seem most clearly of instinctive character ; 

 and point out, lastly, certain other of their casual performances 

 such as would seem prompted by reason, or its semblance, 

 when "pressed'* by circumstance. 



Perhaps the best definition of insect and other animal in- 

 stincts is that given by Kirby, who considers them as " un- 

 known faculties, implanted in their constitution by their 

 Creator, by which, independent of instruction, observation, or 

 experience, and without a knowledge of the end in view, they are 

 impelled to the performance of certain actions tending to the 

 well-being of the individual and preservation of the species." 



Such certainly would instinct seem to be ; but of Jiow it thus 

 impels, of the mode in which it works, though a great deal 

 has been conjectured, little enough is known. Some have re- 

 solved this directing power into mere sensitivity, or an impulse 

 to do certain things for the sensual pleasure they afford. It 



