12 INTELLIGENCE OF ANIMALS. PART in. 



same frame remains : the abode is changed, not the 

 inhabitant. Yet it is generally assumed that the living 

 principle of animals is extinguished when the abode 

 finally crumbles into dust, a tacit acknowledgment of 

 the doctrine of materialism ; for it is assuming that the 

 high intelligence, memory, affection, fidelity, and con- 

 science of a dog, or elephant, depend upon a combi- 

 nation of the atoms of matter. To suppose that the 

 vital spark is evanescent, while there is every reason 

 to believe that the atoms of matter are imperishable, is 

 admitting the superiority of matter over mind : an as- 

 sumption altogether at variance with the result of geo- 

 logical sequence; for Sir Charles Lyell observes, that 

 'sensation, instinct, the intelligence of the higher 

 mammalia bordering on reason, and lastly the improvable 

 reason of man himself, presents us with a picture of 

 the ever-increasing dominion of mind over matter.' 



The physical structure of a vast number of animals 

 has been investigated from such as are a mere microscopic 

 speck to the highest grade of animal life ; but very little 

 is comparatively known of their intelligence and means 

 of communication. We know not by what means a 

 pointer and greyhound make an agreement to hunt 

 together ; nor how each dog is not only aware that his 

 companion possesses a property which he has not, but 

 that by their united talents they might accomplish their 

 purpose, which is merely sport, for they never eat the 

 game. 2 The undulations of the air and water are no 

 doubt the means by which most animals communicate ; 

 but there is reason to believe that many inhabitants of 

 the earth, air, and water are endowed with senses which 

 we do not possess, and which we are consequently in- 

 capable of comprehending. 



2 A pointer and greyhound, belonging to a friend of the author's, re- 

 peatedly brought home hares. Upon watching the dogs, the pointer was seen 

 to find the hare, which was coursed and killed by the greyhound, Singular 

 as this may seem, it is by no means unprecedented. 



