INSTINCTS OF BIRDS. 285 



from any trees by which they could have been 

 produced, and where it is very evident that they 

 have not been planted by man. 



It may be proper to remark here, in order to 

 obviate misapprehension, that notwithstanding 

 the circumstances attending this seemingly pro- 

 vident mode of securing a supply of food against 

 a future occasion, sometimes afford unequivocal 

 evidence of an intelligent and discerning agent, 

 yet the act of hiding is induced by a purely in- 

 stinctive propensity. This will be admitted by 

 every one who considers that the species of birds 

 which are remarkable for this peculiarity, practise 

 it, however well they may be fed, when brought 

 up from the nest in a state of domestication. 



In addition to the numerous proofs of the 

 intelligence of birds already given, I may men- 

 tion their susceptibility of receiving instruction 

 by education. Thus, eagles, falcons, and hawks 

 have been trained to limit the effects of their 

 instinctive propensity to kill, to a particular 

 species of game; and to return to the call and 

 line of the falconer after having struck down the 

 quarry. The cormorant too was formerly em- 

 ployed with success in taking fish. Here then, not 

 only great attachment to their keepers and much 

 docility of disposition are evinced by birds which 



