264 PHILOSOPHY OF ZOOLOGY: 
When any body is falling upon us, we spontaneously held 
up our hands, as an effort to defend ourselves. 
These instinctive actions, are best calculated for protect- 
ing us from attacks which would cause pain, and which 
come upon us suddenly. In other cases, where the danger 
is greater, we are guided to oppose it by other kinds of 
physical force, or seek for safety in flight. In the one case 
when we fight for safety, we are guided by anger ; in the 
other, when we flee from danger, we are regulated by fear. 
The inferior animals, in obedience to the same instinct, 
protect themselves from danger by similar means. Although 
they do not possess members so well adapted for sudden 
movement as our hands, yet, by various other expedients, 
they accomplish the same end. The hedgehog rolls up 
its body, and presents a surface of prickles to the foe. 
Birds in general, when surprised, raise and bend back their 
heads, Some animals, as the hare, uniformly strive to flee 
from danger ; while the badger, not only flees, when practi- 
cable, but fights obstinately when compelled. Many aquatic 
birds avoid being shot, by diving upon seeing the flash, and 
getting under water before the shot reaches the place. 
Upon being surprised, they have recourse to the same ex- 
pedient. The cuttle-fish conceals himself in his inky 
fluid, and the torpedo benumbs his foes by an electrical 
discharge. Others endeavour to strike terror, by their 
sounds, or gestures, or odours. 
There 1s, however, one attribute of this instinct in the lower 
animals, which man does not possess, although we can per- 
ceive an approach to it. Man conceals himself from the 
approaching danger, and ceases to move or speak, lest he 
should discover his retreat, and expose himself to danger. 
The hare, in like manner, will often remain in her form un- 
til the hunters are past, and then steal away unperceived. 
But the provision to which I chiefly refer, is the propensity: 
