FACULTIES OF THE MINI). 261 



attempt to imitate the actions of other species, as in flying, 

 swimming, diving, and a variety of other efforts. 



To this principle of imitation can be readily traced, nation- 

 al character, and family resemblance. It is that instinct on 

 which, more than any other, our susceptibility of educa- 

 tion depends. 



In the lower animals, this instinct displays itself, chiefly 

 in those of social habits. It is proverbially known that the 

 startling of one individual will set a whole herd of cattle in 

 motion, and if one sheep leaps the fence, the others will 

 speedily follow. Even in the lower animals, imitative ac- 

 tions are not always copied from the individuals of the same 

 species. The monkey will imitate the motions of a man, 

 and the parrot his voice. 



7. Approbation. The desire of approbation exercises a 

 powerful influence on the human character. It prompts 

 Us to the greatest exertions, and it restrains our most 

 violent passions. Long before we are aware of the per- 

 sonal or public advantages which result from its guidance, 

 we enjoy with rapture the applause of others. In order to 

 secure it to our memory > we are disposed, in many cases, 

 to part with life itself. 



As this principle could not be called into exercise^ but 

 among those animals which are likewise possessed of the 

 social desire, we do not observe this instinct in any others ; 

 and even in social animals, we are only aware of its exis- 

 tence in those which we have domesticated. The dog 

 appears delighted with the approbation of his master, 

 and quickly discovers and seems mortified with his dis- 

 pleasure. The cow and the horse exhibit this instinct, 

 but in an inferior degree, arising, perhaps, from our being 

 less intimately acquainted with their manners. Among 

 birds or animals belonging to any of the lower class, we 



