National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1875-02-22
ANIMAL INSTINCTS.
Interesting Discourse by DR.. I. G. Norris at
the Memorial Church.

Interesting Discourse by DR.. I. G. Norris at
the Memorial Church.
Notwithstanding the snow storm which made
the walking very disagreeable, the Memorial
church was we'll filled on Friday evening to hear
the third lecture by DR.. Morris on Natural His
tory.
The interest in this course has increased with
each lecture, and as a means of instruction and
enjoy certainly nothing better has been pro-
yided this season. After few appropriate pre-
lminary remarks, DR.. Morris proceeded to ana
lyZe and illustrate animal instincts. Among his
subjects were some of the eomnOnest insects and
animals, such as flies, mosquitoes, spiders, birds,
elephants, dogs, &c.
In his opening remarks he said: Some men
maintain that instincts and reason are the same,
bit il we allow reason to animals We must admit
some monstrous absurdIties; we must admit that
they reason better than man; that the bee is the
most mathematical philosopher in the world, the
house builder.
But there is no progressive improvement in
these animals in succeeding generations. The
robin builds its nest now the same as the first one
did that came ont of the ark. The hen does not
distinguish between eggs and pieces OF chalk.
Each species has its limited range, and there its
power ceases. We have the learned bear and
pig. all artificial; that is, mechanical; while it
serves to Rmuse an audience, it is not transmitted
to their offspring. The tiniest spider at once at
taches itself TO the wall and hangs suspended by
a slender thread. In birds 1t is exhibited in
many curious cOntriVanees in the construction Of
their nests. The ostrich. in Matching, always
keeps two or three eggs out Of the nest to feed
her neWly-hatched young. The pelican rolls
hers into the water when alarmed.
He then proceeded to take up different insects
and creatures and describe in minute detail their
habits and peculiarities, which was so intensely
interesting as to impress tndelibly upon the minds
Of his audience a vast amount Of instruction on
this subject to which he had given life Of study.
Among the remarkable animal instincts upon
which the Doctor dwelt at length was that Of the
spider. The spider so much dispised is really IN
nOcent and the fear many have Of its bite or sting
is absurd it has not the apparatus for infIctinR
bite. These insects frequently display great me-
chRnical skill. One Of the most remarkable is the
biDge-dOor spider, which is found in Mexico. One
Of these ingenious little animals can now be
seen at the Smithsonian. 1t constructs its nest
and closes 1t with door set on a regular hinge.
The nest is built in the EARTH and when he goes
in he turns the door shut, that it is difficult to
open, and is safe from all external attacks. Who
taught them these instincts2 How do they know?
Neither the theologian in the pulpit nor the lee
turer on the platform can answer.
instinct is for the present, for this life; reason
is for Immortality. These things are not beneath
the attention Of the philosopher, as they are
Gods works, who is the author Of them all. Him
first, last and in all things, let see and adore.
At the close Of the lecture the audience were
invited to the social-rOom, where they enjoyed
humorous readings by DR.. Morris and excellent
refreshments furnished by the ladies.