VliO PHILOSOPHY OF ZOOLOGY. 



jranions, each intent upon the same purpose, and ready to 

 anticipate his neighbour in seizing the enviable morsel. 

 There are advantages, however, which result from this 

 union, and which counterbalance the accompanying evils. 

 There are common interests which are secured by it,^- 

 warning is given of danger, notice communicated of any 

 new store of food, and exertion prompted by example. 



Although this desire, in general, brings together the in- 

 dividuals of the same species, and unites them in one flock, 

 vet, in the absence of other individuals of the same species, 

 a social animal will unite itself with the individuals of other 

 species, and frequent the places to which they resort, and 

 follow their movements. Thus, man is often gratified with 

 the company of a dog, and a sheep will associate with a cow. 

 When prevented from indulging this desire, a consider- 

 able degree of impatience is exhibited, which not unfre- 

 quently terminates in languor, sickness and death. 



6. Imitation. "We have already taken notice of sym- 

 pathy as affecting the nervous system, and inducing action 

 in parts remote from the place where the first impression 

 was actually produced. We may now consider this desire 

 of imitation, as having its foundation in this organic ten- 

 dency, and prompting to actions more extensive and compli- 

 cated. When we see a person yawn, we are disposed to 

 perform the same action ; when we see them in motion we 

 have likewise a tendency to follow. The same feeling 

 operates whether it relates to the production of motion, of 

 rest, or of sound. 



This desire contributes greatly to the progress of the 

 improvement of the human species. The child imitates 

 the actions of its parents, and acquires a dexterity in per- 

 forming them. In manhood we repeat the actions of 

 others, :md nmki- their acquirements our own. We even 



