Such experiments carried out on a different method give results in line with my own. The conditions are, however, somewhat unnatural, which I regard as in some respects a disadvantage. But we need experiments on different methods--the more the better,--and if the results they furnish are in accord, their correctness will be rendered the more probable. It is to be hoped that Dr. Thorndike will devise further experiments in which (1) the conditions shall be somewhat less strained and straitened, while the subjects are in a more normal state of equanimity (cannot “utter hunger” be avoided?), and (2) there shall be more opportunity for the exercise of rational judgment, supposing the faculty to exist. To establish the absence of foresight in the procedure of the cats, it is surely necessary so to arrange matters that the connections are clearly open--nay, even obvious--to the eye of reason. It appears that this consideration has not weighed sufficiently with Dr. Thorndike. A series of experiments were made to ascertain whether instruction (in the form of putting the animal through the procedure requisite for a given act) was in any degree helpful. The conclusion is that such instruction has no influence. Those who have had experience in teaching animals to perform tricks will probably agree here--though some trainers give expression to a different opinion. It is, however, essential to distinguish carefully between showing an animal how a trick is done, and either stimulating its attention or furnishing accessory guidance (such as the occasional taps of the trainer’s whip when he wants a performing horse to kneel), or affording suitable conditions the results of which temporarily enter into the association complex. If the latter be eliminated the practice of trainers, I believe, bears out the general result of the experiments. Dr. Thorndike never succeeded in getting an animal to change its way of doing a thing for his. Nor was I, after repeated trials, able to modify the way in which my dog lifted the latch of the gate. He did it with the back of his head. I could not get him to do it (more gracefully) with his muzzle.