The Dawn of Mind 219 



tive. Similar statements might be made in regard to scores of 

 other reptiles; but what we see is almost wholly of the nature of 

 instinctive routine, and we get little glimpse of more than effi- 

 ciency and endeavour. 



In a few cases there is proof of reptiles finding their way 

 back to their homes from a considerable distance, and recognition 

 of persons is indubitable. Gilbert White remarks of his tortoise : 

 "Whenever the good old lady came in sight who had waited on it 

 for more than thirty years, it always hobbled with awkward 

 alacrity towards its benefactress, while to strangers it was alto- 

 gether inattentive." Of definite learning there are a few records. 

 Thus Professor Yerkes studied a sluggish turtle of retiring dis- 

 position, taking advantage of its strong desire to efface itself. 

 On the path of the darkened nest of damp grass he interposed a 

 simple maze in the form of a partitioned box. After wandering 

 about constantly for thirty-five minutes the turtle found its way 

 through the maze by chance. Two hours afterwards it reached 

 the nest in fifteen minutes; and after another interval of two 

 hours it only required five minutes. After the third trial, the 

 routes became more direct, there was less aimless wandering. The 

 time of the twentieth trial was forty-five seconds; that of the 

 thirtieth, forty seconds. In the thirtieth case, the path followed 

 was quite direct, and so it was on the fiftieth trip, which only re- 

 quired thirty-five seconds. Of course, the whole thing did not 

 amount to very much ; but there was a definite learning, a learning 

 from experience, which has played an important part in the 

 evolution of animal behaviour. 



Comparing reptiles with amphibians, we may recognise an 

 increased masterliness of behaviour and a hint of greater plas- 

 ticity. The records of observers who have made pets of reptiles 

 suggest that the life of feeling or emotion is growing stronger, 

 and so do stories, if they can be accepted, which suggest the be- 

 ginning of conjugal affection. 



The error must be guarded against of interpreting in terms 



