CHAP, xxxiii.] INSTINCT IN ANIMALS. 257 



already collected where from, we knew not. When a whale, or 

 other large fish, is driven ashore on the coast of any of the 

 northern islands, the ravens collect in amazing numbers, almost 

 immediately coming from all directions, and from all distances, 

 led by the unerring instinct which tells them that a feast is to be 

 found in a particular spot. 



Ducks go out to the grass-fields to search for the snails which 

 they know will be found before the coming shower ; the field- 

 mouse covers up her hole in due time before the setting in of cold 

 weather. Fish have the strongest instinct with regard to changes 

 of the weather, refusing obstinately to rise at the most tempting 

 baits or flies when clouds charged with thunder or rain are pass- 

 ing through the air. Indeed most birds and animals have a 

 singular foreknowledge of changes in the weather ; shifting their 

 quarters according as the coming rain or the dryness of the 

 atmosphere warns them. 



The grouse foretell the approaching rains before the most wea- 

 ther-wise shepherd can do so, by betaking themselves to the dry 

 heights, where they sit or walk about with erect heads and necks, 

 in quite a different manner to their usual gait. So do the moun- 

 tain sheep change their feeding-ground to the lee side of the hills 

 before severe blasts of wind and rain. I have often been warned 

 of an approaching change in the weather by the proceedings of 

 the wild fowl in the bay ; and before changes of wind these birds 

 betake themselves to those places which will afford them the best 

 shelter during the coming storm. 



There are few animals which do not afford timely and sure 

 prognostications of changes in the weather. It is proverbial that 

 pigs see the wind ; and they undoubtedly become restless, and 

 prepare their straw beds prior to a severe storm, some hours 

 before human organs are aware of its approach. 



In fine, there is matter not only for amusement but for ad- 

 miration in the actions and habits of every animal that we see, 

 even down to the most common small birds and quadrupeds : and 

 the unoccupied man may always find wherewithal to amuse him- 

 self profitably in watching the instinct which prompts the every- 

 day proceeding of the animals which are always around us. 



