REVIEW— ILLUSTRATIONS OF INSTINCT. 
691 
whereas the absence of the nobler qualification of intelligence pro- 
duces such distraction as will prevent a creature from using, even 
where life depends on it, the ordinary powers of which it is pos- 
sessed. Habits illustrative of this have been observed in indivi- 
duals of the common hare. If, on being first roused, it rushes off 
with headlong haste, it will assuredly be taken by a dog; but if 
the creature be seen to stop, and erect its ears, as if listening to 
its pursuer, its escape may be regarded as exceedingly probable. 
The effect of terror on the same animal is witnessed when it is 
pursued by the cry of a company of weasels. Their speed is 
greatly inferior to that of the hare ; but such is the influence of 
the terrofinfused into it by an instinctive consciousness of the in- 
sidious and cruel nature of the enemy, that these ravenous crea- 
tures rarely have the trouble of a long pursuit. Instances are 
common in which a hare, after escaping to a considerable distance 
from the reach of its pursuer, has altered its course, and returned 
to the very seat of the peril; and if followed after with great 
clamour, with any very loud and unusual noise, it is sure to be 
thus overtaken.” 
" I have known a horse which no soothing was able to conciliate 
— no kind treatment render any other than what is denominated 
vicious, with the habit of doing everything but that which it was 
wanted to do. This spirit was at last subdued by fixing on its 
back a terrifying object, which its utmost efforts were not able to 
shake off : but when the conquest was accomplished, not a single 
worthy quality remained.” 
"The consideration, that excessive timidity is the chief obstacle 
to the taming of many creatures, enables us to discern the proper 
conduct to be pursued in seeking this desirable object. The pro- 
cess must be conducted by shewing the creature that its dread is 
groundless; that the supposed enemy may in truth be a friend; 
and while the outbreak of passion or fear is shewn to be useless, 
or is rendered harmless, the needless trepidation is soothed, and 
not irritated. Much coolness and patience are requisite for the 
performance of this task; and especially when the creature is sub- 
ject to inequality of temper, or possesses great power to injure; 
but when accomplished in this manner it is lasting.” 
Cicero, even, was an advocate for the community of instinctive 
actions in man and animals : — " In the first place,” he says, "it is a 
gift from nature to every kind of animal, that it should consult the 
preservation of itself, both in its life and limbs; and consequently 
that it should avoid every thing which seems hurtful. And 
further, that it should obtain and prepare for food whatever is ne- 
cessary to subsistence, as well for itself as its offspring. The de- 
sire of union for the sake of offspring, and the care of them when 
