FACULTIES OF THE MIND. 959 
riosity ; and seldom relinquishes the pursuit willingly, until 
he has gained the information which he desires. 
5. Society—This instinct, like curiosity, is not common 
to.all animals. There are many species, as the oyster and 
bernacle, which appear to be incapable, from their fixed 
station, of acquiring any knowledge of the existence of in- 
dividuals of their species. Others, on the contrary, are 
social from necessity, as the Mollusca Tunicata, and many 
zoophytes, constantly growing in groups, or inseparably 
connected by bodily organization.. Even among the free 
animals, many seem to prefer a life of solitude, and exhibit 
no desire, unless perhaps during the season. of love, of 
associating with other animals, or even with the mdividuals 
of their species. 
But in those animals in which'this instinct prevails, it ex- 
hibits its controul, independent of any feelings which the 
appetites excite. Among gregarious animals, we observe, 
with some, the social union so intimate, that this instinct ap- 
pears to be essentially necessary to their existence, or, at 
least, to the continuance of their race. Thus, bees congregate 
by an irresistible impulse of this mstinct, and it is only when 
united that they can perform all the functions, and enjoy all 
the comforts of their existence. In those animals, where this 
union is necessary, we perceive such admirable arrangements 
exhibited by this instinct, such subordination of purpose, 
and such co-operation of means, that we may consider it 
one of the most curious, wonderful, and complicated of the 
active powers, 
In many cases this desire operates, although its action 
is not connected with the immediate wants of the imdivi- 
dual. Thus we observe rooks congregating, although, as 
far as we are able to judge, each pair could subsist, though 
unconnected with a flock, and even obtain a more copious 
supply of food than when surrounded with numerous com- 
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