We are something better acquainted with- the m~ 

 habitants of the air; lirds being more accessible to 

 us : yet, upon the whole, we are very far from being 

 perfectly acquainted with them. Of many we know 

 little more than the outward shape. We know a 

 few of the obvious properties of others ; but the in- 

 ward, specific difference of very few : and we have a 

 thorough adequate knowledge of none. 



" However, we have a more extensive knowledge- 

 of leasts, many of which are our domestic compa- 

 nions," Certainly we have. And yet a thousand 

 questions may be asked even concerning these, which 

 we are in nowise able to answer. To touch only or* 

 two or three general heads. Do they reason, or da 

 they not? Whence arise the different qualities and 

 tempers, not only in different kinds and species, but 

 even in the individuals of one species, as in dogs,, 

 cats, and horses'? Are they mere machines ? If we 

 assert they are, it inevitably follows, that they nei* 

 ther see, nor hear', nor smell, nor feel. For of this 

 mere machines are utterly incapable. Much les& 

 can they know or remember any thing, or move any 

 otherwise than they are impelled. But all this, as 

 numberless- experiments shew, is quite contrary to 

 matter of fact. On the other hand, if they are not 

 mere machines, if they have either sensation, or 

 knowledge, or memory, or a principle of self-motion, 

 then they are not mere matter ; they have in them 

 an immaterial principle. But of what kind ? Will 



