256 PHILOSOPHY OF ZOOLOGY. 



In digging these subterranean dwellings, insects transport 

 the earth to a distance, carrying it in their jaws. Quadru- 

 peds, during the digging, when incommoded by its accu- 

 mulation at the entrance, turn round, and, with their fore 

 feet, push to a distance the loose rubbish, as may be seen 

 in the efforts of the rabbit and field-mouse. 



In many cases, animals unite and construct a dwelling 

 ft*- the convenience and protection of the colony. It is in 

 the architectural displays of this power, exhibited by ani- 

 mals that live in society, that the most wonderful attributes 

 of this instinct have been ascertained. The masonic labours 

 of the bee and the ant are well known ; and they produce a 

 habitation regular in its structure, substantial in its mate- 

 rials, and commodious in its apartments. What man 

 considers as a high effort of his understanding, may be 

 here witnessed as the result of an instinct, unaided by ex- 

 perience, uniform in its results, and successful in its plans. 



3. Desire of Place. Every one knows, that different 

 animals prefer different situations. The common pigeon, 

 in a wild state, makes choice of the caverns of the rock, in 

 which to sleep, and a smooth grassy bank on which to bask. 

 The wood pigeon, on the other hand, nestles on trees, and 

 spends all its hours of repose or relaxation on their branches. 

 The sparrow prefers, at all seasons, the haunts of men ; 

 while the robin flees from their abodes during the breed- 

 ing season, but delights to spend with them the dreary 

 months of winter. The jack-daw delights to live in the 

 ruined tower, and the rook in the aged wood. In man, 

 this instinctive power exhibits its controul in the love of 

 country, and the pleasure associated with the idea of home. 

 In many cases, the operations of this desire are modified by 

 circumstances connected with food and temperature ; but, 

 in a variety of instances, it is impossible to assign any phy- 

 siological reason for the choice. 



