that one of the greatest wonders of instinct is the
mathematical form of the honeycomb of the bee, which has been proved by
demonstration to be that by which is given the greatest possible saving
of time and labour."

"But that is all pure instinct, papa; now you said that animals had
reasoning powers. Will you point out to me how they show that they
have?"

"I will, my dear boy; but we had better defer it till another evening.
It is now time to go to bed."

CHAPTER FIFTY FOUR.

The following day, being Sunday, was devoted to the usual religious
exercises. Tommy stole away out of the tent, while Mr Seagrave was
reading a sermon, to have a peep at the turtle-soup, which was boiling
on the fire; however, Juno suspected him, and had hold of him just as he
was taking the lid off the pot. He was well scolded, and very much
frightened lest he should have no soup for his dinner; however, as it
was not a very heavy offence, he was forgiven.

In the evening, William requested his father to renew the conversation
about the reasoning powers of animals.

"With pleasure, William," replied Mr Seagrave; "it is a fit discourse
for a Sunday evening. Let us, however, first examine the various mental
faculties discoverable in animals. In the first place, they have
memory, especially memory of persons and places, quite as tenacious as
our own. A dog will recognise an old master after many years absence.
An elephant, who had again escaped into the woods, after twenty years
remaining in a wild state, recognised his old mahoot, or driver. A dog
will find his way back when taken more than a hundred miles from his
master's residence. Another proof of memory in animals, were it
required, is that they dream. Now, a dream is a confused recollection
of past events; and how often do you not hear Romulus and Remus
growling, barking, and whining in their sleep!"

"Very true, papa."

"Well, then, they have attention. See how patiently a cat will remain
for hours before a hole, in watch for the mouse to come out. A spider
will remain for months watching for the fly to enter its web; but this
quality is to be observed in every animal in the pursuit of its prey.
They have also association of ideas, which is, in fact, reasoning. A
dog proves that; he will allow a gentleman to come up to the door, but
fly at a beggar. When he is in charge of any property he will take no
notice of a passer-by; but if a man stops, he barks immediate