304 PHILOSOPHY OF ZOOLOGY. 



vage state, stand in no need of restraining, to any great ex- 

 tent, their instinctive powers, indulgence being necessary for 

 their own comfort, and the safety of the race. In the case, 

 however, of social animals, (including man), where every 

 individual contributes to the welfare of the group, it is ob- 

 vious, that, in many cases, some degree of self-denial must 

 be practised, and a self-denial, which, so far as we are able 

 to judge, is not instinctive, but acquired or voluntary. In 

 illustration of this opinion, we may quote the case of con- 

 gregating animals, who, while feeding, have a sentinel to 

 give them warning of danger, as apes and geese. The 

 sentinel, in this case, may look forward to be released from 

 duty ; but, in the mean time, he must feel the cravings of 

 an empty stomach, and witness his acquaintances enjoying 

 their repast. In all this he yields not to present impulses, 

 but restrains his appetite for food, in order to comply with 

 the arrangements of the social affection. In the case of 

 animals which have escaped from a snare, and which refuse 

 to be again enticed, there is a still more decided example of 

 self-denial. The bait still allures ; but the temptation i$ 

 overcome through the sense of danger. 



As it is in man, when civilized, that we meet with the most 

 unequivocal proofs of controul exercised over the instinctive 

 powers, so, among domesticated animals, we may expect to 

 find its existence most distinctly exhibited. We have seen a 

 dog enter a larder, even when hungry, and smell at the cold 

 meat and bread, without presuming to touch them. That 

 he had an inclination to eat, could not be doubted ; but he 

 had acquired the power of controlling^ The same animal 

 exhibits, in many cases, great sagacity in the exercise of his 

 controul over his feelings. Thus, if you conduct an expe- 

 rienced spaniel to a place from whence he has seen a covey 

 of patridgcs spring, he will pass on, indifferent to the scent 

 which they have left behind them ; but, if he did not ol>- 

 their flight, his actions are widely different;--" He 



