THE BEE. 127 



what is termed "instinct" is an immediate im- 

 pulse of the Deity, only so far as regards the natural 

 want — ^the exciting cause, — and must refuse to con- 

 found that natural want with its instinctive fulfilment. 

 The quality of instinct we would endeavour to define 

 as the psychical property with which certain creatures 

 are endowed, that prompts them to perform certain 

 acts under the guidance of their senses, such acts 

 tending to the well-being of the individual, or main- 

 tenance of the species. Instinctive actions are per- 

 formed without the aid of education or experience, 

 and probably, to a great extent, without a knowledge 

 of the end to be attained. 



This definition we have so far compiled from the 

 various theories that have come under our notice; 

 now let us contiaue the inquiry for ourselves. You 

 may be disposed to ask — how do we account for those 

 numerous operations in the insect races with which 

 the senses have no connexion whatever; for instance, 

 what sense can in any way influence the Ant-lion 

 {Myrmeleo) when it digs a pit into which its victims 

 may fall? — or the Spider in the construction of its web? 



This is a very difficult part of the subject, but the 

 most rational solution that we can suggest is, that 

 along with certain organs and iustruments, the crea- 

 tures have been endowed with the iustiactive or 

 iatuitive knowledge how to use them ; and it is most 

 probable that even in the employment of these they 

 are guided by the sense, or appetite*. Many creatures, 



* Judging by the acts of the lowest of animals, in this re- 



