122 histinct. 



which is sometimes called '^ unerring," may be the 

 means of destroying its possessor, by the very agen- 

 cies which it calls into play to preserve him. 



The power of some animals to find their homes 

 when carried from them under such conditions that 

 they cannot observe, and even to take a straight 

 course towards them, is generally acknowledged. 

 It is contended by some that the Carrier Pigeon is 

 guided by sight, while others deny it. While we 

 believe some animals have this instinctive power, it 

 is difficult to determine the facts in the case by ob- 

 servation. And if established, they would be only 

 one more illustration of the principle already consid- 

 ered, that animals have, as an original gift, all 

 those powers needed for their mode of life. 



The many points in regard to which we are still 

 in doubt respecting the habits of our most common 

 animals, show that we still have need of Rubers and 

 Wilsons to study every species. Not only do our 

 story books, but our school books, abound in state- 

 ments that nature refuses to endorse. And learned 

 writers often trust to such unreliable statements, or 

 ignore the facts that contradict some favorite defi- 

 nition or theory. Fortunately for our purpose, 

 there are examples enough to illustrate every point 

 we wish to make, that are repeated from year to 

 year, so that they can be studied by every careful 

 observer. 



In the manifestations of Instinct last considered 

 we see evident relation to the welfare of the indi- 

 vidual or the species to which it belongs. These 

 Instinctive powers give such ability to act as expe< 



