The Hickman courier., 1868-05-16
sagacity and Instincts OF AMI
mails.

Much has been written and said of the
instinct or intelligence of TIE lower or
der of animals, and where one leaves
off and the other begins according to
the quality or importance of the exhibit
The fact is, that know but little of it,
and sometimes | think much less, espe-
cially after witnessing such actions and
results as are contained in this true story:
+ A gentleman Ga valued friend of mine)
residing in one of our rural villages, had
pony, lively, docile, and very active
animal whose principal service was to
carry his mistress out riding every fine
Gay-her uncle riding his horse. In
their rides they had to pass farm house
Just over the bridge, where was kept a
surly cur dog, who habitually jumped
over the fence and barked at and wor-
ried the horses, and particularly the pony
attempting to bite his hind legs, and
causing him to wheel about and squirm
about, to face the dogs and save his heels.
One day the owner of the dog was
-rpekep te-eaa reqaxsted to keep his dog
inside the fence and prevent him worry
ing the horses
He replied: His dog had as good a
right to the road as any other puppy,
and he should not tie him up"
"Then," said uncle, "I'll shoot your
dog the next time he flies out at US in
this way" and so left.
When they got home and the saddle
and bride were taken off the pong, he
slipped away from the hostler and ran up
TO the house, where Bruno, large New
Ec., nj land lvfn ha
in front of the piazza. They met; pony
put his nose down to Bruno's, and he
raised his head as though he was listen
ing.
There, look at that dog and pony"
said uncle: ''what under the sun are
they at? They act as though they were
talking"
They let them alone until they got
through, and pony ran about the lawn
and would not be caught, and Bruno
laid down again as before. n
Next day they rode again. pro red to
shoot the eur or drive him from his evil
practices. A short distance from the
house, and on turning an angle of the
road, they looked back, and spied Bruno
quietly following.
This won't do, says uncle Go back
Bruno; you know there is nobody home
but your mistress, and who'll guard the
house when you are away?" ''Go back
The dog turned and jumped the fence,
as they thought, to go across lots. So
they rode on until the farm honse ap-
peared in sight. Out came the cur
Uncle prepared to shoot, when all of a
sudden overcame Bruno, seized the cur
by the neck, shook him violently, and
made him yell like fun; so much so that
the family came out to the rescue, while
pony looked on, evidently with as much
delight as child would at play. He
paved the ground. shook and bowed his
head, and was very active in securing a
good view of the fight. By and by Bru-
no let 90 and cur sneaked into the house,
---l 49, ss-iI--r-I sl is-----, si.~,.-
changing some words, or rather rubbing
noses, with pony.
When they all got home again the
animal had another conference and
ine gallop about the lawn, much to the |
applause and merriment of uncle and /
he family.
Now, what was this-was it instinct or
vas it reason? The fact was as l have
stated. If instinct, then was it nearly |
lllied to reason; and, if reason, then
hese animals possess it.