i>64 PHILOSOPHY OF ZOOLOGY. 



When any body is falling upon us, we spontaneously hold 

 up our hands, as an effort to defend ourselves. 



These instinctive actions, are best calculated for protect- 

 ing us from attacks which would cause pain, and which 

 come upon us suddenly. In other cases, where the danger 

 is greater, we are guided to oppose it by other kinds .of 

 physical force, or seek for safety in flight. In the one "case 

 when we fight for safety, we are guided by anger ; in the 

 other, when we flee from danger, we are regulated \>yjear. 

 The inferior animals, in obedience to the same instinct, 

 protect themselves from danger by similar means. Although 

 they do not possess members so well adapted for sudden 

 movement as our hands, yet, by various other expedients, 

 they accomplish the same end. The hedgehog rolls up 

 its body, and presents a surface of prickles to the foe. 

 Birds in general, when surprised, raise and bend back their 

 heads. Some animals, as the hare, uniformly strive to flee 

 from danger ; while the badger, not only flees, when practi- 

 cable, but fights obstinately when compelled. Many aquatic 

 birds avoid l.eing shot, by diving upon seeing the flash, and. 

 getting under water before the shot reaches the *place. 

 Upon being surprised, they have recourse to the same ex- 

 pedient. The cuttle-fish conceals himself in his inky 

 fluid, and the torpedo benumbs his foes b}' an electrical 

 discharge. Others endeavour to strike terror, by their 

 sounds, or gestures, or odours. 



There is, however, one attribute of this instinct in the lower 

 animals, which man does riot possess^ although we can per- 

 ceive an approach to it. Man conceals himself from 'the 

 approaching danger, and ceases to move or speak, lest he 

 should discover his retreat, and expose himself to danger. 

 The hare, in like manner, will often remain in her form un- 

 til the hunters are past, and then steal away unperceived. 

 But the provision to which I chiefly refer, is the propensity, 



