IN THE VEKTEBRATA. 71 



with the Pisces, hut not the same variety or range of mental 

 operations that are to be found among fish. The frog is 

 best known to physiologists in its decapitated state, in con- 

 nection with the purposive actions it exhibits, usually re- 

 garded as reflex, independent of volition, and not involving 

 consciousness. In so far as these reflex actions which are 

 of the highest interest in relation to the basis of mind in 

 plants and animals are treated of in several other chapters, 

 they need not be dwelt upon here. The frog, in its normal 

 state, engages in trials of strength that is, in competition 

 and it shows disappointment in being forestalled in food- 

 capture, this disappointment being expressed by snappish- 

 ness, literal and figurative. The toad examines and tests the 

 size of crevices in walls in relation to the dimensions of its 

 own body (Wood) in other words, it takes measurements 

 makes calculations of size and shape. 



In the class Reptilia and order Chelonia the tortoise 

 watches garden operations with interest; shows antipathies 

 and predilections as to food; manifests discernment and 

 uses precautions in the avoidance of danger ; examines the 

 means of escape from confinement ; is restless and irritable 

 in captivity (White and Jardine). 



In the order Ophidia the mental characteristics of snakes 

 or serpents are well known. Several of them become affec- 

 tionate, docile, drawing-room pets for instance, those of 

 Chelsea described by Buckland. They were the playfellows 

 of the children of the family ; knew individuals ; pined, by 

 refusal of food, in absence of their master, kissing and em- 

 bracing him on his return ; enjoyed fun, and showed signs 

 of pleasure and joy. Certain Indian snakes are called 

 ' dancing ' snakes from their delight in, and movements in 

 concert with, music, displaying a knowledge of musical time, 

 as well as of tone or tune. They are enticed or lured 

 from their nests by music in the so-called process of snake- 

 charming. Nichols ascribes to certain Australian snakes 

 the repetition and improvement of experiments, or trials, 

 which are at first unsuccessful. In illustration of the heredi- 

 tary transmission and instinctive character of certain mental 

 qualities, White describes menace and defiance as exhibited 



