Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1853-04-06
4 Medley.

Bees, it is alleged, recognize the voice
of their keeper; and as the queen has the
power of uttering sharp note, which can
be distinctly heard by a bystander, before
the swarming of the hive, it is natural to con-
clude that it is made for some object, and
that it is also perceptlble, by the whole COM
munity. As regards sethe absurdity OF the
country practice of ringing bell, or OF
striking two pieces of metal together, when
swarm is in the air, under the impression
that the sound attracts the bees to the spot,
it is hardly to be wished that it should De
discontinued, for however discordant 1t
may be, it is yet an honest piece OF rural
life. lis real object, long since lost sight
of, was to advertise the neighbours, IN the
event of the SWAIN taking distant flight; !;
for, by bee law, man is allowed to follow
his swarm on another PERSONS property,
and to secure that which, without notice,
the other might appropriate as a lucky
Mr.. Hartley, in the Isle of Egina, mar
rates that, passing by flock of sheep, he
asked the shepherd if he gave names to
his sheep, and if they obeyed him when
he called them by their names? He bade
HIM call one he did $50, andlt Instantly
left its pasturage and its companions, and
ran up 10 him with signs of pleasure, and
with a, prompt obedience be, had never be-
fore witnessed in any other animal. MIR;
Wilderspin says he frequently witnessed
in Cumberland and other mountainous dis
tricts an illustration of.theiparable, that the
sheep knows the good shepherds voice.
When the sun is about to set the shepherds 5
boy advances along the foot Of a chain ol
mountains, and giving signaEby pecu-
liar call, or whistle, the flocks, whlch were
scattered like spots Of snow over Stupen-
dous heights, begin TO move simultaneous
iy, and collecting, as they pour down the
steep, approach him in order, without leav-
ing one solitary stragglsr,
Dogs abstain from that whichis lntrust-
ed 10 them only so long as they are unmo-
Tested, for as soon as they find themselves
unable TO defend their charge from other
dogs, they fall to it themselves They are
also envious of attention and caresses be-
slowed upon other dogs by their MASTER
A dog was trained by his master TO exc
cute several commissions. When lie want
ed him to gotto the tavern, he made GER
tain signs, which the dog understood, and
immediately set of to bring home whatev-
er the taverh-keeper put into the basket
intended for his master. He went ON IN
this manner for some time without accl-
dent; when one evening, as he was return
ing with some hot pies for his masters sup
per, two dogs in the neighborhood, attract
ed by The inviting smell of the pastry, took
it into their heads to attack the faithful
messenger. The dog instantly dropped the
basket, and placing himself before it, flew
with determined courage at the first that
advanced; but while he was thus engaged
in fighting with one, the other dog ran to
the basket and began to devour the pies
This was an embarrassing case for the poor
animal After moments reflection, see
ing that 1t was impossible to preserve the
pies for his master, he determined at least
to have them for himself; and, accordingly,
without any further hesitation, he darted
upon them, and despatched all that remain
cd