INSTINCT 



It is claimed by some writers that the sense 

 of direction is an instinct which guides birds 

 in migration. As one writer states it: 

 " They may be frightened and become con- 

 fused, as by being frequently shot at, but 

 once beyond the danger-line, their instinct 

 regains control, and they will resume their 

 journey in a direct line for their ultimate 

 destination, and that, too, without stopping 

 to think which way is the right way." 



If this were true, if birds could launch 

 themselves into the air and go South without 

 thought, and, if turned aside, miraculously 

 regain their course without a thought as to 

 the right way, then indeed would I be forced 

 to admit the supernatural, to acknowledge 

 that the days of miracles were not past, but it 

 would upset all my preconceived ideas of 

 Dame Nature and her laws. 



Really, before we resort to miracles to ex- 

 plain migration, would it not be well to turn 

 to natural laws laws that are explained 

 by intelligent thought after careful obser- 

 vation ? 



267 



