as the Fundamental Form of Movement. 159 



felt in military marches with an extended front, since it is 

 only by accurate aiming and never losing the object while 

 marching that the guide is enabled to keep the direction. 



The lecturer then proceeded to show what is the importance 

 of this peculiar form of animal motion for the creatures that 

 possess it. He found in the fact that all animals are firmly 

 fettered to definite natural conditions and are pretty helpless 

 when they overstep definite limits or when they become 

 separated from their parents or their home — especially in the 

 earliest period of their existence, before they have learnt to 

 use their senses and faculties — a decided proof that this 

 circular movement, which, with irresistible force, brings each 

 being that is under its control back to the place that possesses 

 the conditions necessary for the preservation of life and for its 

 prosperity, must also be of fundamental importance for the 

 maintenance of life and the development of the individuals 

 affected. It is thus seen that this form of movement is 

 universally distributed — it is one of the general laws. 



Imagination and superstition have eagerly seized upon 

 this mysterious force in natural life, and have created therefrom 

 a supernatural power. To expound this in greater detail lies 

 beyond the scope of the present study ; nevertheless it may 

 be pointed out that Norwegian country-folk in general are 

 wont to term this travelling in a circle " at trade paa 

 Vildstraa," approaching on a false scent, that is, going astray, 

 though in reality the intention of nature, if one may so 

 express oneself, is exactly the opposite. In the realm of 

 nature this phenomenon is a precaution in order that the 

 living animal shall never go astray, but always be able 

 again to find the spot that possesses the conditions necessary 

 for the maintenance of life and for further development, the 

 localities and surroundings that afford protection and food, 

 before ever the offspring have learnt to use their senses and 

 faculties — the native place to which all animals in the struggle 

 for existence must so often return, be it the udder of the cow, 

 the warmth-giving wings and the guiding experience of the 

 hen, or the sheltering tree or bush chosen by maternal 

 instinct. In accounts showing how very liable young animals 

 are to perish when they are separated by the hand of man 

 from this connexion with home and parents, we may also see 

 the operation of the law, since under such circumstances its 

 effects are just as destructive as under natural conditions they 

 are the means of salvation. It is simply the opposite result 

 carried to the same length. 



The effect of this circular movement in the psychical life 

 of animals may also be regarded as full of signiticance, since, 



12* 



