The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1872-03-16
The Influence of Music on Animals.

The most common exhibition of the
influence Of music on animals is, per.
haps, that witnessed in circuses and
other equestrian entertainments. where
the horse is affected 10 lively and ex
hilarating manner by the performances
OF the band-oiteu waltziug and pranc.
ing, aud keeping perfect time with the
music. Dogs are affected by music
but it is difficult to determine whether
agreeably or otherwise. Many nalur.
aIists believe it to be disagrecable to
them-an opinion which is strongly
supported by the fact that If left to their
liberty, they generally take to fight
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
aud also owls, have been known to die
from the effects 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, il is well known that
many kinds Of birds are affected in a
very agreeable manner; often approach
Ing as near as possible the Instruments
or persons, and remaining as long as
the music continues, aud then tapping
their wings, as we should clap our
hands, in appreciation of the pcrfor
manee. Many Of the wild animals are
said to be fond Of aud even charmed by
music; the hunters in the Tyrol and
some parts of Germany often eutice
stags by singing, aud the female deer
by playing the flute. Beavers and rats
have been taught to dance the rope.
keeping time to music. Among rep
tiles, the Lizard perhaps shows the most
remarkable susceptibility to musical in
tluences-lying first on his back, then
ON his side, and anon on his belly. as il
desiring to expose every part Of his
body to the effect of the sonorous fluid
which is SO delightful to him. He ap
pears to be yer refined in his taste,
soft voices aud plaiutive airs being his
tavorltes, while hoarse singing aud 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 u
the point nearest to that from which
the music originates, aud there remain
motlonlcss as long as it continues. Pris
oners sometimes tame them by singing
or whistling, aud make companions oil
them. Bat, perhaps. the most remark.
able instance Of the influence Of music
on animals occurred at a menagerie in
Paris, few years ago, when a concert
was given, and two elephants were
among the auditors. The orchestra be
ing 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 al
the spectators the next they ran al
the keeper TO caress him, aud seemed tc
inquire what these strange esounds meant
but, at length, perceiying nothing amiss
they gave themselves up to the impres
sions which the music communicated
Each new tune seemed to produce a
change of feeling, causing their ges
lures 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 uumoved.