AS A SOURCE OF ACTION IN ANIMALS. 
579 
and incapable of internal feelings or emotions, as well, of course, as 
processes of ratiocination, implying an exercise of several distinct 
mental faculties — akin to those of which we are susceptible our- 
selves. If this were the case, the objects of creation would for 
ever remain a dark and unfathomable mystery. But the very 
reverse happens to be the fact. I shall, I feel persuaded, be able 
satisfactorily to demonstrate that the vast majority of animals are 
susceptible, in some degree, not only of the common feeling of 
enjoyment, but of several distinct mental feelings or emotions 
analogous to those which agreeably or disagreeably influence our- 
selves. I cannot, too, but think myself capable of establishing, 
equally clearly, the fact of many animals of different orders, genera, 
and species being influenced and guided in their actions to an 
extent not generally known or conceded through an operation of 
memory, in reference to prior sensations or impressions felt and 
remembered. Further, I shall be able, I feel convinced, satis- 
factorily to shew that many animals of all the higher orders and 
classes are possessed, in addition, generally, to great natural 
sagacity, of limited powers of reasoning from premises to a con- 
clusion. It is the consideration and illustration of the latter highly 
interesting and important question to which, with permission, we 
now propose to turn ; and, commencing with insects, the ants may 
be first noticed as furnishing us with some unequivocal indications 
of the influence not only of strong natural sagacity, but apparently 
of a degree of intelligence and memory. 
I may here drop the subject for the present, and, with permission, 
will resume it in an early publication. 
THE ROYAL VETERINARY COLLEGE. 
We have not heard that any answer has been sent to the 
petition of the Governors of the Royal Veterinary College, men- 
tioned in our last number ; neither, up to the time we are writing, 
has any communication from the Secretary of State reached the 
Council ; consequently the charter affair may be said to be still 
pending. Nevertheless our Council have not been idle. They 
have been meeting weekly, and doing their best to make such a 
code of by-laws as shall most efficiently and beneficially carry out 
the ends of the charter : looking neither to the right nor to the 
left, suffering their minds to be swayed by no bias, restricted in 
