Thomas Bingley
Stories about the Instinct of Animals, Their Characters, and Habits
"Stories about the Instinct of Animals, Their Characters, and Habits" by Thomas Bingley is a collection of educational tales written in the mid-19th century. The book is presented in the format of engaging stories narrated by a character called Uncle Thomas, primarily aimed at younger readers. It explores the unique instincts, characteristics, and behaviors of various animals, employing anecdotes to foster curiosity and compassion for the animal kingdom. At the start of the book, Uncle Thomas gathers the children to share captivating stories about animals, beginning with horses. He recounts tales of wild horses on the plains of South America, their capture using lassos, and intriguing incidents involving Arabian horses. Through these stories, he highlights the intelligence, docility, and deep connections that horses form with humans, illustrating their loyalty and the innate instincts that govern their behavior, setting the stage for a broader exploration of animal instincts throughout subsequent chapters.