Chap. 98.] AWIMA.LS SrBJEOT TO DREAMS. 553 



but because they are to be seen buried in deep repose, and to all 

 appearance fast asleep, betraying no motion in any part of 

 the body except the tail, and by starting when they happen 

 to hear a noise. With regard to the thunny, it is stated with 

 BtiU greater confidence that it sleeps ; indeed, it is often found 

 in that state near the shore, or among the rocks. Flat fish are 

 also found fast asleep in shallow water, and are often taken in 

 that state with the hand : and, as to the dolphin and the 

 balsena, they are even heard to snore. 



It is quite evident, also, that insects sleep, from the sUent 

 stillness which they preserve ; and even if a light is put close 

 to them, they will not be awoke thereby. 



CHAP. 98. ^WHAT ANIMAIS AKE STOBJECT TO DEEAKS. 



■ Man, just after his birth, is hard pressed by sleep for several 

 months, after which he becomes more and more wakeful, day 

 by day. The infant dreams" from the very first, for it wiU 

 suddenly awake with every symptom of alarm, and while 

 asleep wiU imitate the action of sucking. There are some 

 persons, however, who never dream ; indeed, we find instances 

 stated where it has been a fatal sign for a person to dream, who 

 has never done so before. Here we find ourselves invited by 

 a grand field of investigation, and one that is full of alleged 

 proofs on both sides, of the question, whether, when the mind 

 is at rest in sleep, it has any foreknowledge of the future, and 

 if BO, by what process this is brought about, or whether this is 

 not altogether a matter quite fortuitous, as most other things 

 are ? If we were to attempt to decide the question by in- 

 stances quoted, we should find as many on the one side as on 

 the other. 



It is pretty generally agreed, that dreams, immediately after 

 we have taken wine and food, or when we have just fallen 

 asleep again after waking, have no signification whatever. In- 

 deed, sleep is nothing else than the retiring '^ of the mind 

 into itself. It is quite evident that, besides man, horses, dogs, 

 oxen, sheep, and goats have dreams ; consequently, the same 

 is supposed to be the case with aU animals that are viviparous. 

 As to those which are oviparous, it is a matter of uncertainty, 



" Ariafotle, Hist. Anim. B. iv. c. 10, maintains the contrary. But in 

 B, vii. he asserts that infants do dream. 

 "^ See Lucretius, B. iv. 1. 914, ei seq. 



