ain the operations of the
understanding, or the origin and connexion of the passions in man,
will acquire additional authority if we find that the same theory
is requisite to explain the same phenomena in all other animals. We
shall make trial of this with regard to the hypothesis by which we
have, in the foregoing discourse, endeavoured to account for all
experimental reasonings; and it is hoped that this new point of
view will serve to confirm all our former observations.

"_First_, it seems evident that animals, as well as men, learn many
things from experience, and infer that the same events will always
follow from the same causes. By this principle they become
acquainted with the more obvious properties of external objects,
and gradually, from their birth, treasure up a knowledge of the
nature of fire, water, earth, stones, heights, depths, &c., and of
the effects which result from their operation. The ignorance and
inexperience of the young are here plainly distinguishable from the
cunning and sagacity of the old, who have learned, by long
observation, to avoid what hurt them, and pursue what gave ease or
pleasure. A horse that has been accustomed to the field, becomes
acquainted with the proper height which he can leap, and will never
attempt what exceeds his force and ability. An old greyhound will
trust the more fatiguing part of the chase to the younger, and will
place himself so as to meet the hare in her doubles; nor are the
conjectures which he forms on this occasion founded on anything but
his observation and experience.

"This is still more evident from the effects of discipline and
education on animals, who, by the proper application of rewards and
punishments, may be taught any course of action, the most contrary
to their natural instincts and propensities. Is it not experience
which renders a dog apprehensive of pain when you menace him, or
lift up the whip to beat him? Is it not even experience which makes
him answer to his name, and infer from such an arbitrary sound that
you mean him rather than any of his fellows, and intend to call
him, when you pronounce it in a certain manner and with a certain
tone and accent?

"In all these cases we may observe that the animal infers some fact
beyond what immediately strikes his se