CHAPTER OF VARIETIES. 



]61 



with the cat ; it would get on her back, and sit there as long as it 

 thought proper without any fear whatever : I observed that at times 

 it was more than commonly playful, and would amuse itself for hours 

 together with any thing that came in its way. 



Squirrels are particularly dexterous in the arrangement of their bed 

 or nest. I would strongly advise all who keep them in cages never to 

 put hay into their little dormitory ; a bit of wool or flannel would be 

 much better, as it would not so conveniently harbour vermin, and 

 would obviate the danger of the squirrel being strangled by the hay 

 becoming twisted round his neck ; — a fate which overtook one in my 

 possession. Matth^us Sylvaticus.* 



London, Feb. 12, 1834. 



The Rev. A. Wells on Instinct f. — This is an excellent pro- 

 vincial production, upon a very difficult subject, well written, and 

 shrewdly reasoned, and only deficient in being too brief ; but this was, 

 of course, unavoidable. The following specimen will show our readers 

 the style in which Mr. Wells has cleared up some of the points, often 

 rendered obscure and mystical even among good writers. 



" Instinct, then, is not mere mechanism, or organisation. A bee 

 does not form and store the cells of a honey-comb, a bird does not build 

 a nest, as a power loom produces a fabric of calico, or a watch indicates 

 the hour of the day, by a mere arrangement of mechanical powers, or 

 suitable organs. The organs of the creatures are the instruments by 

 which instinct works, not that guiding power itself. Nor is instinct 

 mere sensation. The various irrational creatures do not accomplish 

 their wonderful labours and actions because certain sensations prompt 

 their activities, and find in them their gratification. That sensation, 

 as well as organisation, is subordinate and auxiliary to instinct, is, in- 

 deed, highly probable. It may rouse to effort ; it may determine as to 

 the materials selected for use ; it may, by finding its gratification in 

 instinctive labours, secure perseverance and success in them. But 

 sensation is not a guide ; it is an impulse : it may move, but cannot 

 direct ; or, if at all, only in those subordinate instances, such as the 



* Our correspondent will perceive that his verses on a Garden have been trans- 

 ferred to the Magazine of Botany and Gardening Editor. 



f On Animal Instinct : a Lecture delivered before the Members of the Me- 

 chanics' Institute, Colchester, by the Rev. A. Wells; and published by their re, 

 quest. 8vo. Colchester, 1834. 



VOL. II. — NO. III. y 



/ 



