Qualities of Instinct. 179 



and domestic animals. They have been under the 

 influence of man so long, and so many new forms 

 have been preserved, that permanent characteristics 

 are not to be expected ; as in nature, where only 

 those types are preserved, which can fight their 

 own battles in the world. 



4. There is a tendency for any characteristic, 

 brought out by variation, to be propagated and 

 finally to become fixed, so that it is sure to appear 

 in the young of the parent possessing that charac- 

 teristic. 



The tendency to exhibit peculiar characteris- 

 tics, is, perhaps, most marked, or, at least, most 

 noticeable, in respect to size and color. But there 

 are great variations in the super-sensuous nature of 

 animals. Docility, viciousness, stupidity, and most 

 other characteristics, that we see in different de- 

 grees among men, we also see in different degrees, 

 among animals of the same species. And these 

 characteristics are as likely to be transmitted, as is 

 peculiarity of form or color. 



But docility, viciousness and stupidity are not 

 instincts at all. They simply mark qualities of the 

 instincts, or their degree of perfection ; if they can 

 be referred to Instinct at all. We believe that 

 those qualities belong chiefly, if not wholly, to In- 

 telligence, or the capacity of the animal to under- 

 stand the relation of his acts as means to ends. 

 Certain it is, that by training and care in selection, 

 we can secure habits or tendencies in breeds of an- 

 imals, as well as we can secure difference of form. 

 In this respect, we see no difference between men 



