EXHIBITION OF INSTINCTIVE ACTION. 399 



demand of the appetites, as recognition of certain enemies 

 without instruction or experience. 



(d) Ability (skill?) without instruction or practice, to carry 

 out the plans necessary for the good of the species, as the vari- 

 ous methods of securing food, the building of nests and care 

 of young. 



Three thinsrs are involved in the highest manifestations of 

 those activities which are together labelled Instinct — Impulse, 

 Knoioledge and Skill — or an Ability that in action simulates 

 both knowledge and skill. In the animal kingdom, as now 

 existing, we find impulses to specific actions and so much of 

 apparent knowledge and skill belonging to each species at 

 birth as shall enable its members to begin life successfully, 

 just as a certain completeness of organs is given to them at 

 birth, that the vital processes may go on to perfection. As 

 the physical system develops, new instincts are developed to 

 secure the proper use of organs and the proper relations of 

 the whole being to the world. However the result may have 

 been secured, we now find, as a matter of fact, that structure, 

 function and instinct supplement each other in a wonderful 

 manner. 



The special manifestations of instinctive action illustrative 

 of these general propositions are exhibited by animals chiefly 

 in the following manner : — 



1. By the acts that supplement physiological functions, as 

 in the choice of food, the methods of securing it, and the 

 union of the sexes. 



2. By the natural recognition of certain enemies, and by 

 those specific acts to avoid them common to all members of 

 the same species. 



3. By the use of special structures, as the fang of the 

 rattlesnake, for defence, and the use of the oil-gland by fowls 

 in dressing their feathers. 



4. By those acts necessary for the existence of communi- 

 ties of different kinds of individuals, as in the case of bees 

 and ants, where individuals from the same mother have differ- 

 ent instincts, but all working together for the welfare of the 

 species. 



5. By the development of special impulses incidental to the 

 parental relation, for providing for and defending the young. 



