2342 Reason and Instinct. 



with the conclusion that such animals at all events as are habituated 

 to association with, or to the influence of, man, however exercised, 

 possess besides their instinct a very sensible amount of reason. I do 

 not say that this process would be altogether so simple and plain that 

 the indifferent or careless inquirer should never blunder or trip : on 

 the contrary, I think there is often a sufficiently appreciable degree of 

 difficulty in distinguishing between the promptings of Instinct and the 

 workings of Reason. Indeed no mind but that accustomed to the 

 consideration and use of definitions will find it at all easy to make 

 the distinction, even so as to satisfy itself eventually. Moreover, 

 writers on the subject allow themselves great latitude in their ex- 

 pressions ; and this produces inaccuracy and leads to misconceptions, 

 especially with that numerous class to whom it is a rare and somewhat 

 distasteful task to think for themselves, or really to think at all. As 

 an example of what I mean, — some would assign to birds the exercise 

 of a low degree of reason in the construction of their nests, particu- 

 larly in their attempts to conceal them. I think, on the contrary, that 

 this is a purely instinctive operation,* and I hold it proved by the 

 fact that the first nest constructed by a bird is as perfect in shape, de- 

 sign — if we may so speak — and fabric, as any future one. Instances 

 have even been affirmed in which the first nest appeared to be the 

 best. I think it instinct, too, which — in case of discovery of the nest 

 — prompts the endeavour to conceal it, by whatsoever expedient. I 

 think it instinct, and not reason, which leads the partridge, the grouse, 

 the peewit, to act as they do when surprised, with a brood of young 

 ones about them, by either man or dog. And, on the other hand, I 

 incline to the opinion that it is not even instinct, far less reason, as 

 some think, which induces the hare to maintain its seat, instead of 

 hastily making its escape, although very nearly approached by the 

 intruder. I strongly suspect, not that it is simply terror (See ' Illus- 

 trations of Instinct,' 202 — 204 ; Zool. 295) so much as indecision, or 

 animal loss of presence of mind, which prevents instinctive action ; 

 and every time I have had an opportunity of verifying the fact, the 

 animal that so conducted itself was a young one. % The cases men- 

 tioned in Mr. Couch's book, just referred to, are of a different charac- 

 ter, and his conclusion seems quite satisfactory. The fox did not 

 simply remain inactive, as the hare does, but presented the semblance 

 of death, which the hare does not; and I certainly think terror is a 

 more satisfactory means of accounting for the fact than the animal's 



* Certainly, if tried by the definitions of Instinct, it is. 



