176 Mrl French on the nature of Instinct. 



An influence, and that a powerful one, certainly appears to act 

 variously upon Brutes as a collateral or contingent Instinct; in 

 other words, this influence appears to modify their perception and 

 discrimination; particularly in those cases where utility is con- 

 cerned ; — by operating in concert with the general Instinct of 

 their nature. Remarkable instances are not wanting to demon- 

 strate the extent and peculiarity of the modifications thus pro- 

 duced ; among which the following may be ranked, as curious and 

 original — and is one which serves to exemplify the fact, that some 

 individuals of the human race possess a greater degree of this in- 

 fluence over animals than others ; a circumstance which throws 

 considerable light upon the whole subject. We have already 

 seen that a positive general influence is effected on the nature 

 of animals by the mere proximity of human beings; and the 

 instance about to be recited fairly leads to the inference that a 

 human mind peculiarly constituted, may possess a peculiar and 

 uncommon share in the production of such influence, and may 

 effect by his superior power in this respect, over animals brought 

 under his more immediate personal sphere, what another indi- 

 vidual would fail in accomplishing. I am indebted for this anec- 

 dote to the kindness of my friend Dr. Spurgin, and I shall give 

 it in his own words. 



" A gentleman rented a small farm in the county of Essex some 

 years ago, where he had not resided long, before a number of 

 Rooks came and built their nests upon the trees immediately sur- 

 rounding the premises ; they multiplied in the course of three or 

 four years, so as to form a considerable Rookery, which was much 

 prized : about this time, however, the farmer was induced to hire 

 a larger farm, which obliged him to change his residence and for- 

 sake his Rooks; but to his great surprize and pleasure the whole 

 Rookery manifested such an attachment towards him as led them 

 to desert their former habitation and accompany him to his new 

 abode, which was about three quarters of a mile off. Here they 

 have continued to flourish, and to offer their salutations every night 

 and morning without intermission to their kind friend and pro- 

 tector. 



" It may be well to add that this gentleman is strongly at- 



