RESPONSIVE LIFE OF ORGANISMS 



505 



should be subject to recall in the memory of any observant 

 person. Perhaps a comparative statement will bring into 

 relief their main characters. The following form is suggested : 



FETISHES. 



MAGIC. 



Nowadays we hold magic and charms in so light esteem, 

 that we are apt to overlook the tremendous importance they 

 have had in the past. Our language and literature and his- 

 tory are full of them. Our clothing drips with them, for it 

 grew out of them. Is there not a place for a charm on a 

 watch chain ? and what is a locket but a case for some sweet 

 magical thing like a lock of hair, that may be worn next the 

 believer's palpitating heart? Betimes, we lay aside our 

 seriousness and have a little romp of childhood in this intel- 

 lectual haymow of stored primeval experiences. Especially 

 do we this at holiday seasons, when the emotions rule and 

 when dormant racial instincts waken easily. We hang the 

 mistletoe at Christmas tide, and at Hallow-e'en we indulge 



