The Louisiana Democrat. [volume] (Alexandria, La.) 1845-1918, 1871-06-14

INFLUENCE OF SWEET SOUNDS ON THE
LOWER ANIMALS-PECULIAR EFFECTS
ON ILEs-ELEPHANTINE SCscEP-
TIBILITY.
The most common exhibition of the
influence of music on animals is per-
haps that witnessed in circuscs and
other EQUESTRIAN entertainments, where
the horse is affected in a lively and ex-
hilcrating manner by the performance
of the band-ottcn waitzing and prarc-
ing, and keeping perfect time with tie
music.
Dogs are affected by music, but it is
difficult to determine whether agrcca-
bly, or otherwise. Many naturalists be-
lieve it to be disagreeable to them, an
opinion which is strongly supported by
the fact that, if left to their liberty,
they generally take flight with bowls
as soon as the music reaches their ears.
They have been known to die when
compelled to hear music for consider
able time. Other quadrupeds, and also
owls, have been known to die from tho
effect of music,
Cats are said to NEW loudly ON hear
ing the sound of instruments, but are
more seldom and less painfully affected
than dogs. On the other hand, it is
well known that many kinds of birds
are affected in a very agreeable man
ner, often approaching as near as pcs
sible the Instruments or persons, and
remaining as long as the music contin
ues, and then tapping their wings, as
we should clap our hands in approba-
ton of the performance.
Many of the wild animals are said to
be fond of and even charmed by music;
the hunters of the Tyrol and some
parts of Germany often entice stays by
singing, and the female deer by playing
the flute. Beavers and rats have been
taught to dance the rope, keeping time
to music.
Among reptiles, the lizard shows per-
haps the most remarkable susceptible
ty to musical influences; lying first on
his back, and then on his side, and anon
on his belly, as if desiring to expose
every part of his body to the effect of
the sonorous fluid whichjs so delight
full to him. He appears to be very re-
fined in his taste, soft voices and plain
tive airs being his favorite, while lloarso
singing and noisy music disgust him.
Among the insects, spiders are found
to be very ford of music. As soon as
the sounds reach them, they descend
along their web to the point nearest to
that from which the music originates,
and there remain motionless as long as
it continues. Prisoners sometimes tame
them by singing or whistling, and mako
companions ofthem. i -
But perhaps the most remarkable in
stance of the influence of music on ami
mails occurred at menagerie in Paris,
few years ago, when concert was
given, and two elephants were among
the auditors. The orchestra being
placed out of sight, they could not.per-
ceive whence the harmony came. The
first sensation was that of surprise; at
one moment they gazed eagerly at the
spectators; the next they ran at their
keeper to caress him, and seemed to
inquire what these strange sounds
meant; but, at length perceiving that
nothing was amiss, they gave them
selves UP to the impression which the
music communicated. Each new tune
seemed to produce change of feeling,
causing their gestures and cries to as
sumo an expression in accordance with
1T. But it was still more remarkable
that after a piece had produced an
agreeable effect upon them, if it was
incorrectly played, they would remain
cold and unmoved.