INSTINCT. 



LESSON XIX. 



X 



OP THE INSTINCT OF MAN AND ANIMALS- 

 REASON. 



ANIMALS are guided in supplying their wants, 

 in rearing their young, and in protecting them- 

 selves from danger, by instiAct. If grass be given 

 to a dog, and flesh to a cow, neither will be touched 

 by those animals. This is the result of instinct. 

 The structure, indeed, of the digestive organs in 

 animals is fitted only for that one kind of food 

 which they always take when they are in a state 

 of nature. 



In judging of the habits of animals, we should 

 remember that we are liable to be deceived if we 

 consider those only which are domesticated. The 

 taste of domesticated animals becomes to some 

 extent changed, and this is the reason why their 

 health is inferior to that of wild creatures, and 

 why they are liable to many diseases. 



By instinct we understand a propensity and a 

 power for performing certain actions which are 

 necessary for our preservation. Instinct has been 

 given to us by our Almighty Father in order that 

 such actions may be performed at once, and without 

 the aid of our slower process of reasoning, for we, 

 as well as animals, have instinctive actions. 



Thus when we are in danger, we either fiy from 

 it, or defend ourselves as we best can, with scarcely 



