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successful. As to the different forms which have been found in the cells of 
bees, the variation in shape is generally caused by some interference with or 
obstacle in the hive itself ; and if such a variation merely results from want 
of room in some particular direction, that is only an instance of architectural 
necessity or compulsion — 
The Chairman. — It is rather more than that, I think. 
Professor MacDonald. — With regard to the endeavour to find the differ- 
ence between instinct and intellect — where the one ends and the other begins, 
which is a very narrow point indeed — I am afraid it is impossible to draw a 
strict line of demarcation. They are as difficult to separate precisely as heat 
and cold. We may form certain boundaries and make definitions, but I do 
not think they are altogether tenable when made — 
The Chairman. — You consider that the one merges by such insensible 
gradations into the other, that it is hard to mark the distinction between the 
two. 
Professor MacDonald.— -I do. I may say, before sitting down, that I 
am very well pleased with the general conclusions of Mr. Morshead on the 
subject, except in the assumption that man is nothing more than an 
animal. 
Captain Fishbourne. — I do not think Mr. Row has at all succeeded in 
making out the case which he put before us ; and I may add that the 
instances he has quoted are not in point, to my mind. You cannot 
arrive at a fair conclusion so long as you consider the actions of a dog or of 
any other animal in the direction of its instincts. It is only when you con- 
sider its acts in opposition to its instincts that you can arrive at any results. 
Here is a case which shows how blind ' an animal’s instincts are. I quote 
from Creation's Testimony to its God, by the Rev. Thomas Ragg. He 
says,— 
“ The beaver likewise, when its building season arrives, unites with its 
fellows in the construction of a dam across the chosen river, and of a number 
of adjacent habitations, carrying on its operations in the exact manner in 
which the highest intelligence would have directed. Yet the beaver will 
exhibit its building instinct even in captivity, and in circumstances in which 
its labour could be of no possible use ; thus showing that its operations are 
directed by a blind instinct inspired by an intelligence other than its own. 
A curious instance of this is related by Dr. Carpenter. One, half domes- 
ticated, in the possession of Mr. Broderip, began to build as soon as it was 
let out of its cage and materials placed in its way. Even when it was half 
grown it would drag along a large sweeping-brush or warming-pan, grasping 
the handle with its teeth, so that the load came over its shoulders, and would 
endeavour to lay this with other materials in the mode employed by the 
beaver when in a state of nature. The long and large materials were always 
taken first, and two of the longest were generally laid crosswise, with one of 
the ends of each touching the wall and the other ends projecting out into the 
room. The area formed by the cross brushes and the wall he would fill up 
with hand-brushes, rush baskets, books, boots, sticks, clothes, dried turf, or 
anything portable. As the work grew high, he supported himself upon his 
tail, which propped him up [admirably, and he would often, after laying on 
one of his building materials, sit up over against it, appearing to consider his 
work.” 
