280 EDUCATION OF ANIMALS BY EACH OTHER. 



prior to the migration of certain birds. The nightingale 

 6 records ' or practises the notes of other species. 



' Practice makes perfection/ or at least tends towards it, 

 in other animals as in man; steadiness in lesson-learning 

 leads sooner or later to excellence. Practice has the same 

 kind of effect in developing and improving the various mental 

 faculties of other animals as in man. Its beneficial results 

 are perhaps better seen in the efforts of song than in the 

 arts of construction. 



This learning of lessons involves the perception and cor- 

 rection of mistakes, and progress or improvement in song, 

 flight, nest-building, and other accomplishments. It implies 

 also what in man is called study, which is exhibited in various 

 ways and degrees. Birds study, for instance, how best to 

 display their own physical beauty (Darwin). 



Self -tuition includes systematic muscular exercise regu- 

 lar gymnastic exercises in order to due bodily culture, 

 even in insects e.g. among young ants. The play of all 

 young animals is to be regarded as an important part of 

 physical education, as a means of imparting or developing 

 that bodily agility which is so necessary in the struggle for 

 life. Hence their mimic fights and races, their gambols, 

 games, sports, pastimes of all kinds, have a high educational 

 value, as well as an important relation to health, mental and 

 bodily. 



