He invariably stopped at the doors where
papers were to be left; but it happened that two people, living at
different houses, took in a weekly newspaper between them; and it was
agreed, that one should have the first reading of it on one week, and
the other on the following. After a short time the horse became
accustomed to this arrangement, and stopped at the one house on the one
week, and at the other house on the following, never making a mistake."
"That was very curious; what a sagacious animal he must have been!"
observed William.
"Animals also are, as you know, capable of receiving instruction, which
is another proof of reasoning powers. The elephant, the horse, the dog,
the pig, even birds may be taught a great deal."
"But then, papa, I still wish to know where the line is to be drawn
between reason and instinct."
"I was about to come to that very point, William. When animals follow
their instinct in providing their food, bringing up their young, and in
their precautions against danger, they follow certain fixed rules, from
which they never deviate. But circumstances may occur against which
their instinct can afford them no regular provision; then it is that
their reasoning powers are called into action.
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