Instincts and Learning 15 



smile will break out in a reflex fashion and the hands 

 will likewise grasp objects placed in the little palms. 

 Coordinate with these new activities, nature is at 

 work storing up new nerve structures and cells, es- 

 pecially in the region of the spinal cord and the cranial 

 centers. 



4. The child is all the while learning. As yet, 

 there is little for the caretaker to do other than to 

 feed the infant with exceeding care and regularity, 

 and to enjoy the awakening of the new infant ac- 

 tivities. In four to six months, the young learner 

 will lead a much more complex life, sitting alone, 

 holding things in his hands, and looking about the 

 room. But it must be understood that he still hears 

 and sees very few things in a definite way. Then, 

 in the next two or three months he will first creep, 

 he should in time be induced to do so if possible for 

 the sake of his health, at length he will stand up- 

 right, and finally walk. None of these processes 

 must be hastened, although they may be aided when 

 the inner prompting and strength warrant such 

 conduct. 



5. During the second year there will probably 

 break out with sudden and surprising strength the 

 new instinct of anger. It has been latent there all 

 the time, but the low degree of intelligence and of 

 nerve structure has not given it proper support and 

 indulgence. But on an occasion there is perhaps 

 taken from the child some cherished plaything, when 



