Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1871-04-29
emusic HATH CHARMs.'
Innuence of sweet sounds on tht
Lever Animnls-Peculfa EHects
ON tiles-EIephantine susceP
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Innuence of sweet sounds on tnt
Lower AnimaIs-PecuIiar Enec.'
on ReptfIes-EIepha susceP
tfbiIfty.
The most common exhibition OF the
influence of music on animals is Pernapi
that witnessed in circuses ana o'nel
equestrian entertainments, where ,hs
horse is affected in lively and exhilar
ating manner by the performance oil tht
band-often waltzing and prancing, anc
leen;nc perfect time with the music.
Dogs are affected by music, but It Il
d;aicnlt TO determine whether agreeably
or otherwise. Many naturalists believe
Il IN he disagreeable to them, an opinion
which is strongly supported by the fac
that, if left to their liberty, they gener
ally take flight with bowls as soon az
the music reaches their ears. They have
been known TO die when compelled te
hear music for a considerable time
Other quadrupeds, and also owls, have
been known to die from the effect o.
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, II is wei
known that many kinds Of birds are at
fected in very agreeable manner, Otter
aoproaching as near as possible the IN
struments or persons and remaining as
long as the music continues, and then
Tapping their wings, as we should CLAP
our hands in appreciation OF the per
Torrance. il.c
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 sing
ing, and the female deer by playing the
flute. Beavers and rats have been taught
to dance the rope, keeping time to the
music.
Among reptiles the lizard shows, per
hans. 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 refund 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 whistling or singing, and make
of them.
But perhaps the most remarkable IN
stance of the influence of music on ami
mails occurred at menagerie in Paris,
a few years ago, when a concert was
given, and two elephants were among
the auditors The orchestra being placed
out of their sight, they could not perceive
whence the harmony came. The first
sensation was that of surprise AT one
moment they gazed eagerly at the spec
tators; the next they ran at their keeper
to caress him, and seemed to inquire
what these strange sounds meant; but
at length, seeing that nothing was amiss,
they gave themselves up to the impress
sion which the music communicated.
Each new tune seemed to produce 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 piece had
produced an agreeable effect upon them,
if it was incorrectly played they would
remain cold and unmoved.