a\NADA PORCUPINE 39 



Memory or retention tests with the puzzle-box combinations 

 were made on No. 3. After 13 days he had forgotten nothing 

 and had lost none of his dexterity. He was allowed to open 

 the box only twice at this time. At the end of 30 days he still 

 attacked the devices in proper order but had lost a little of his 

 dexterity in operating the button. His method of turning the 

 button was rather awkward at best. He would reach over 

 from the left of the door across the top of the button with the 

 left hand, inserting his claws between the end of the button and 

 the hook. In this memory test he would reach half an inch too 

 far and grasp the hook. His dexterity, howe\'er, was all re- 

 gained after one successful co-ordination. Fifty days later, or 

 at the end of 80 days after first learning the combination, he 

 had lost the response to the lever from his reactions. He would 

 regularly* go back and look at the lever but always began his 

 attack with the plug, following with a trial of the button and 

 hook in order. When all failed he would again walk around 

 to the end, look at the lever, turn away and attack the plug. 

 After repeated failures of this kind all the devices were re- 

 moved except the lever. He at once opened the box. After 

 a few experiences with this, the combination was restored and 

 he opened the box with little difficulty. How may we explain 

 his attitude toward the lever? His conduct was the same as 

 that on former occasions when he returned to the lever after 

 he had already depressed it. He would not attack it again on 

 those occasions but merely inspect it and pass on. In this 

 memory test the lever position at least was in the association, 

 but he seemed to mistake the height at which the lever ought 

 to stand or, put in motor terms, the sight of the lever failed to 

 call out the proper motor response and thus the whole series 

 of movements was interfered with. 



It may also be interesting to relate that it was after relearn- 

 ing on this occasion that No. 3 was used in demonstration 

 before the seminary at President Hall's house. Here, in a new- 

 environment and artificial heat, in the night-time, on a library 

 table, and surrounded by a large crowd, the porcupine opened 

 this puzzle -box combination repeatedly in a manner that was 

 above reproach. His special preparation for this was to be 

 practiced three evenings in artificial light, two of which were 

 in artificial heat and two were on the table. His appetite was 



