FACULTIES 01 THE MINI). 247 



and preserve existence and its comforts under circumstances 

 which, without it, would have been fatal to both. 



But while the useful properties of this appetite disap- 

 pear, in many cases, in consequence of domestication, in 

 several instances they remain and exhibit themselves even 

 when not necessary to the comfortable existence of the indi- 

 vidual. Thus the dog, even when well fed, will often con- 

 ceal the remainder of the food he is unable at the time to 

 consume, although the calls of hunger seldom urge him to 

 return to the hidden stores. The fox, so similar to the dog 

 in many particulars, exhibits, (as we have already stated 

 with another view,) in a wild state, the same disposition. 

 When he has obtained more food than is necessary for the 

 supply of his present wants, he buries the remainder, and 

 returns to it when again pressed by hunger, often after an 

 interval of several days. It is probable, that in a wild state, 

 the dog obeys a similar instinct, of which, its appearance in 

 a domesticated state is a strong proof. Even the love of hunt- 

 ing, which prevails among our race, almost universally, seems 

 to be the remains of one of the original instincts of the species. 



As intimately connected with this appetite, we may short- 

 ly notice the peculiar manner in which each animal disposes 

 of its excrementitious or secreted matters. How carefully do 

 the otherwise filthy swine, even in a domesticated state, 

 void in a corner, and preserve the cleanliness of their bed. 

 Cats are careful to bury their dung, while dogs exonerate 

 upon stones. The uniformity of these peculiar modes of 

 action in each species, indicates instinctive arrangements 

 for their production, which the fastidious observer may 

 despise, but which the enlightened naturalist will not over- 

 look. 



2. Appetite for Sleep. We have already, while treat- 

 ing of the muscular and nervous systems, stated the ncccs- 



