304 PHILOSOPHY OF ZOOLOGY. 
vage state, stand in no need of restraining, to any great ex- 
tent, their instinctive powers, mdulgence being necessary for 
their own comfort, and the safety of the race. In the case, 
however, of social animals, (including man), where every 
individual contributes to the welfare of the group, it is ob- 
vious, that, in many cases, some degree of self-denial must 
be practised, and a self-denial, which, so far as we are able 
to judge, is not instinctive, but acquired or voluntary. In 
illustration of this opmion, we may quote the case of con- 
gregating animals, who, while feeding, have a sentinel to 
give them warning of danger, as apes and geese. The 
sentinel, in this case, may look forward to be released from 
duty ; but, in the mean time, he must feel the cravings of 
an empty stomach, and witness his acquaintances enjoying 
their repast. In all this he yields not to present impulses, 
but restrains his appetite for food, in order to comply with 
the arrangements of the social affection. In the case of 
animals which have escaped from a snare, and which refuse 
to be again enticed, there is a still more decided example of 
self-denial. The bait still allures; but the temptation is 
overcome through the sense of danger. 
As it is in man, when civilized, that we meet with the most 
unequivocal proofs of controul exercised over the instinctive 
powers, so, among domesticated animals, we may expect to 
find its existence most distinctly exhibited. We have seen a 
dog enter a larder, even when hungry, and smell at the cold 
meat and bread, without presuming to touch them. That 
he had an inclination to eat, could not be doubted ; but he 
had acquired the power of controlling it. The same animal 
exhibits, in many cases, great sagacity in the exercise of his 
controul over his feelings. Thus, if you conduct an expe- 
rienced spaniel to a place from whence he has seen a covey 
of patridges spring, he will pass on, indifferent to the scent 
which they have left behind them; but, if he did not ob- 
serve their flight, his actions are widely different ;-=** He 
