ANIMAL INSTINCTS. 245 



with which nature has endowed them, comparatively 

 approaching to, or receding from the sagacity and 

 genius of the human species. The whole forms a 

 graduated scale of intelligence. A philosopher, 

 therefore, should contemplate and admire the whole, 

 but should never be surprized at any partial 

 exhibitions of the general scene of intellect and 

 animation. 



In this sort of conversation the party pursued 

 their walk. Mr. Eames and Mr. Hilary listened 

 to Dr. Hastings' remarks as if a new light had burst 

 upon them, and shewed the interest they took in 

 what he had been saying, by requesting him to con- 

 tinue the subject. 



Dr. Hastings resumed the discourse by remark- 

 ing, that animals, like men, learn to see objects 

 in their proper position, to judge of distances and 

 heights, and of hurtful, pleasurable, or indiffer- 

 ent bodies. It is clear, therefore, that they are 

 endued with some portion of reason, or they could 

 never make a proper use of their senses. For 

 instance, a dog, though pressed with hunger, will 

 not seize a piece of meat in the presence of his mas- 

 ter unless it be given to him, but with his eyes, 

 his movements, and his voice, he will make the 

 most humble and expressive petition. This appears 

 so like reasoning, that it is difficult to call it any 

 thing else. If these animals are endowed with an 

 intelligence infinitely beyond what it has been usual 



