256 PHILOSOPHY OF ZOOLOGY. 
In digging these subterranean dwellings, insects transport 
the earth to a distance, carrying it in their jaws. Quadru- 
peds, during the digging, when incommoded by its accu- 
mulation at the entrance, turn round, and, with their fore 
feet, push to a distance the loose rubbish, as may be seen 
in the efforts of the rabbit and field-mouse. 
In many cases, animals unite and construct a dwelling 
for the convenience and protection of the colony. It is in 
the architectural displays of this power, exhibited by ami- 
mals that live in society, that the most wonderful attributes 
of this instinct have been ascertained. "he masonic labours 
of the bee and the ant are well known; and they produce a 
_ habitation regular in its structure, substantial in its mate- 
rials, and commedious in its apartments. What man 
considers as a high, effort of his understanding, may be 
here witnessed as the result of an instinct, unaided by ex- 
perience, uniform in its results, and successful in its plans. 
3. Desire of Place.—Kvery one knows, that different 
anunals prefer different situations. The common pigeon, 
in a wild state, makes choice of the caverns of the rock, in 
which to sleep, and a smooth grassy bank on which to bask. 
The wood pigeon, on the other hand, nestles on trees, and 
spends all its hours of repose or relaxation on their branches. 
‘The sparrow prefers, at all seasons, the haunts of men ; 
while the robin flees from their abodes during the breed- 
ing season, but delights to spend with them the dreary 
months of winter. The jack-daw delights to live in the 
ruined tower, and the rook in the aged wood. In man, 
this instinctive power exhibits its controul in the love of 
country, and the pleasure associated with the idea of home. 
In many cases, the operations of this desire are modified by 
circumstances connected with food and temperature ; but, 
in a variety of instances, it is impossible to assign any phy- 
siological reason for the choice. 
