scale of evolution. It is possessed by
the higher forms of the lower animals, such as the horse, dog, and the
majority of the wild beasts. Savage and barbaric men have it more highly
developed than it is in the case of the civilized man. In fact, this
physical sense may be termed almost vestigal in civilized man, because he
has not actively used it for many generations. For that matter, the
physical sense of smell is also deficient in man, and for the same reason,
whereas in the case of the lower animals, and savage man, the sense of
smell is very keen. I mention this for fear of misunderstanding. In my
little book, "The Astral World," I have said: "All occultists know that
man really has seven senses, instead of merely five, though the
additional two senses are not sufficiently developed for use in the
average person (though the occultist generally unfolds them into use)."
Some have taken this to mean that the occultist develops these two extra
physical senses, just as he does certain higher psychic or astral
faculties. But this is wrong. The occultist, in such case, merely
re-awakens these two senses which have been almost lost to the race. By
use and exercise he then develops them to a wonderful proficiency, for use
on the physical plane.

Now, this sense of the presence of other living beings is very well
developed in the lower animals, particularly in those whose safety depends
upon the knowledge of the presence of their natural enemies. As might be
expected, the wild animals have it more highly developed than do the
domesticated animals. But even among the latter, we find instances of this
sense being in active use--in the case of dogs, horses, geese, etc.,
especially. Who of us is not familiar with the strange actions of the dog,
or the horse, when the animal senses the unseen and unheard presence of
some person or animal? Very often we would scold or punish the animal for
its peculiar actions, simply because we are not able to see what is
worrying it. How often does the dog start suddenly, and bristle up its
hair, when nothing is in sight, or within hearing distance. How often does
the horse grow "skittish," or even panicky, when there is nothing within
sight or hearing. Domestic fowls, especially geese, manifest an uneasiness
at the presence of strange persons or animals, though they may not be
able to see or hear them. It is a matter of history that this sense, in a
flock of geese, once saved ancient Rome from