132 WALLACE CRAIG 



learn the sounds 4 or gestures of their species by copying older 

 doves. The vocal and gesture reactions are thus, in their 

 motor aspect, very completely and definitely fixed by the innate 

 organization of the nervous system. 



4. On the other hand, the innate sensory inlets leading to 

 these reactions must be very indefinite or flexible. For the 

 doves give their cries and their gestures, now to one sense- 

 object, now to a very different object, according to their ex- 

 perience. The four doves herein described, before they were 

 allowed access (as adults) to their own species, gave their social 

 reactions to human beings. 



5. The three individuals which, after maturing in isolation, 

 were allowed into the presence of their own species, associated 

 with the other doves with every mark of eagerness and satis- 

 faction. 



6. These three gave up their intimate friendship for human 

 beings. But they gave it up slowly and gradually, showing 

 interesting divisions of attention between human companions 

 and dove companions. If they had been encouraged to do so, 

 they would probably have continued indefinitely to display to 

 human beings; and even without special encouragement they 

 remain, probably for life, exceeding tame, unafraid of the human 

 species. This is one example of the importance and lasting 

 influence of the dove's early impressions. 



7. The sexual reaction of the male is, in its motor aspect, 

 very completely and definitely provided in the innate nervous 

 organization. But the innate sensory inlet to this reaction is 

 not a complete sensory inlet; it is supplemented by experience. 



8. The object to which the dove directs his social behavior 

 becomes a symbol, in some cases it might even be called a 

 fetich, to which he clings tenaciously, and to which he attaches 

 a great complex of reactions. With all four of these doves, the 

 human being became such a symbol ; especially the human hand, 

 and in the case of one dove (Frank) the shoe. 



9. When a dove performs an instinctive act for the first time, 



it generally shows some surprise, hesitation, bewilderment, or 



even fear; and the first performance is in a mechanical, reflex 



4 It is true that each of my isolated males could hear other doves, but not such as 

 to serve as a copy. For Jack and Billy could hear only each other; Frank could 

 hear only the faint sound of doves cooing in a distant room; and No. 39 could hear 

 no male dove but only a few females. 



