no Instinct, 



with the connection between hunger or thirst and 

 the Instinct that enables the animal to satisfy the 

 appetites. At the proper time the bird returns, it 

 may be from the south, to its proper breeding-place, 

 chooses its mate, if that were not done before the 

 journey commenced, and in due time commences 

 the work of nest building. The peculiar nature of 

 Instinct is shown first in this, that the bird builds 

 its nest before it is really needed, and also in the 

 materials selected, their skilful arrangement and in 

 the form and position of the nest ; all constant or 

 very nearly so, in the same species. 



All the differences that have been pointed out iit 

 nests of the same species of birds are not greater than 

 can be pointed out in the habits of the same species of 

 plants, by which, through some law of their growth, 

 they adapt themselves to the conditions of the place 

 zvhere they chance to grow. We are prepared to say 

 then that while we do not deny a degree of Intelli- 

 gence, even to birds, we regard their most perfect 

 and wonderful works, those often referred to as 

 proofs of Intelligence, to be the products of Instinct 

 that works by a wisdom of which its possessor has 

 no comprehension. 



