298 FACULTIES OF BIRDS. 



is an immediate impression from the first Mover, 

 and the divine energy acting in the creatures ; such 

 an operation of the Supreme Being, as that which 

 determines all the portions of matter to their proper 

 centre.'' 



As illustrations of this doctrine, to show the differ- 

 ence between instinct and reason, he says, " Animals 

 ' in their generation are wiser than the sons of men ;' 

 but their wisdom is confined to a few particulars, and 

 lies in a very narrow compass. Take a brute out of 

 his instinct, and you find him wholly deprived of 

 understanding. To use an instance that comes often 

 under observation : 



" With what caution does the hen provide herself 

 a nest in places unfrequented, and free from noise 

 and disturbance ? When she has laid her eggs in 

 such a manner as she can cover them, what care does 

 she take in turning them frequently, that all parts 

 may partake of the vital warmth ? When she leaves 

 them to provide for her necessary sustenance, how 

 punctually does she return before they have time to 

 cool, and become incapable of producing an animal ? 

 In the summer you see her giving herself freedom, 

 and quitting her care for above two hours together; 

 but in winter, when the rigour of the season would 

 chill the principles of life, and destroy the young one, 

 she grows more assiduous in her attendance, and 

 stays away about half the time. When the birth 

 approaches, with how much nicety and attention does 

 she help the chick to break its prison*? not to take 

 notice of her covering it from the injuries of the 

 weather, providing it proper nourishment, and teach- 

 ing it to help itself; nor to mention her forsaking 

 the nest, if, after the usual time of reckoning, the 

 young one does not make its appearance. A che- 

 mical operation could not be followed with greater 

 * This is erroneous. See Habits of Birds, chap. ix. 



