260 PHILOSOPHY OF ZOOLOGY. 
panions, each intent upon the same purpose, and ready to 
anticipate his neighbour in seizing the enviable morsel. 
There are advantages, however, which result from this 
union, and which counterbalance the accompanying evils. 
There are common interests which are secured by it,— 
warning is given of danger,—notice communicated of any 
new store of food, and exertion prompted by example. 
Although this desire, in general, brings together the in- 
dividuals of the same species, and unites them in one flock, 
yet, in the absence of other individuals of the same species, 
a social animal will unite itself with the individuals of other 
species, and frequent the places to which they resort, and 
follow their movements. Thus, man is often gratified with 
the company of a dog, and a sheep will associate with a cow. 
When prevented from indulging this desire, a consider- 
able degree of impatience is exhibited, which not unfre- 
quently terminates in languor, sickness and death, 
6. Imitation—We have already taken notice of sym- 
pathy as affecting the nervous system, and inducing action 
im parts remote from the place where the first impression 
was actually produced. We may now consider this desire 
of imitation, as having its foundation im this organic ten- 
dency, and prompting to actions more extensive and compli- 
cated. When we see a person yawn, we are disposed to 
perform the same action; when we see them in motion we 
have likewise a tendeney to follow. The same feeling 
operates whether it relates to the production of motion, of 
rest, or of sound. 
This desire contributes greatly to the progress of the 
improvement of the human species. ‘The child imitates 
the actions of its parents, and acquires a dexterity in per- 
formmg them. In manhood we repeat the actions of 
others, and make their acquirements our own. We even 
