The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1871-05-26
MUSIC HATH CHARMS"
Influence Of sweet sounds ON the Lower
ADMINISTRATIVE Effects ON Reptiles
Elephantine Susceptibility.

Influence of Sweet sounds ON the Lower
Misunderstanding Effects ON Reptiles
Elephantine susceptibility.
The most common exhibition of the
influence of music on animals is perhaps
that witnessed in circuses and other
EQUESTRIAN tertainments, where the
horse is affected in Il lively and exhiler-
ating manner by the performance of
the band-otten Waiting and prancing,
and keeping perfect time with the mu-
sic
Dogs are affected by music, but it is
difficult to determine whether agreea-
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 howls as soon
as the music reaches their ears. They
have been known TO die when compelled
to hear music for considerable time.
Other quadrupeds, and also owls, have
been known to die from the effect of
music.
Cats are said TO NEW loudly on hearing
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 very agreeable manner,
often approaching as near as possible
the instruments or persons, and remain
ing as long as the music continues, and
then tapping their wings, as we should
clap our hands in appreciation 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 susceptibility
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 SON
orous fluid which is so delightful to him.
He appears to be very refined in his taste,
soft voices and plaintive airs being his
favorite, while hoarse singing and noisy
music disgust him.
Among the insects, spiders are found
to be very fond 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 make
companions of them.
But perhaps the most remarkable in
stance of the influence Of music on ami
mails occurred at a menagerie in
Paris, "a few years ago, when concert
was given and two elephants were
among the auditors. The orchestra
being placed out of sight. they could not
perceive 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 10 caress him, and seemed
to inquire what these strange sounds
meant but, at length perceiving that
nothing was amiss, they gave themselves
up to the impression which the music
communicated. Each new tune seemed
to prodce a change of feeling, causing
their gestures and cries to assume an
expression in accordance with it. 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 unmoyed.