Iowa voter. [volume] (Knoxville, Iowa) 1867-1874, 1873-12-04
Remarkable French Dogs.

M. RoUrL, the owner Of the dogs, had
been for ten years professor of an insttu-
ton for deaf mutes, which suggested to
him the idea of trying 10 what point a
similar system of education could devel-
op the intelligence of dogs. He had also
had some experience as a prestidigitateur;
and these two professions combined TO
render his exhibitions truly wonderful
NJ. Rouil came by invitation TO Mr.. Ham.
crton's house, bringing with him two Of
his dogs-Blanche, poodle, and LYDIA, a
cross between a poodle and spaniel. A
number of guests were gathered to wit
ness the performance; and all agree in
corroborating the statements of Mr..
Hamerton.
A large table was placed in the center
Of the room; and on ii were laid some
cards on which the letters of the alpha
bet were printed in large capitals M.
Rouil then told Blanche TO spell .trom-
age (checse). She Immediately picked
out an +, an II, an o, and then seemed TO
hesitate. "You only gave US three letters;
there are seven" said M. Rouil.
Blanche then found M, A, G., Il, and the
word was complete.
She was then asked to translate; and
the word pferd (horse) was written in
German characters on slate. Blanche
read it, or pretended TO do so, and put
her paw on the slate rs a sign that she
understood. "Give it to us In French"
said M. Rouil and the word cheoal was
Immediately produced. "Now in Eng
lish," and without hesitation she found
the letters foS horse.
She then performed the remarkable feat
Of correcting mistake In photography.
Mr.. Hamerion wrote the word mesOn
on the slate instead Of maison (house);
and, on being asked where the error
was, Blanche pointed to the letter
"e," and picked out an "a" and an
"i.n
In spite Of her success, the animal
seemed TO accomplish her work with con-
siderable effort, and made sounds of com
plant. The authority Of her master,
although exercised with great gentleness,
seemed irresistible as that Of magneti-
ger over his subject Perceiving this, Mr..
Hamerton suggested giving her rest;
and she was allowed to retire to corner
and enjoy some bonbons, while LYDIA
took her place on the table. Some num-
beers were now substituted for the letters
Of the alphabet Several problems were
written on the slate, which LYDIA appar-
emily solved without difficulty.
Her master then proposed trying little
mental arithmetic, and said, Lydia, il
you had ten pieces Of sugar, and met ten
Prussian dogs, how many pieces would
you, French dog, give to each Prus
sian?" LYDIA replied TO the question by
pointing out the zero with great energy.
aAnd how" said her master, "if you
were to share with meg' LYDIA took the
figure five and gave 1t to him. NJ. Rouil
then went out for moment, while Mr..
Hamerton asked the dog for several num-
bers successfully, which she brought
without the slightest hesitation.
Blanche then came forward, and pack
Of playing cards was spread on the table,
M. Rouil holding another pack in his
hand, and asking the company to choose
a card from it. Without making any
mistake, Blanche Immediately brought
the corresponding card from the pack on
the table.
She then played game Of cards with a
young lady, and was beaten; after which
She took refuge in corner with an air Of
deep humiliation.
The most surprising feat of all came
next. A pack Of cards was spread on the
floor in the next room, and the door
nearly closed NJ Rouil told one Of the
guests to ask the dog in whisper to
fetch any card he choose to name. The
ace of spades was called for. Blanche
went in search Of it, and Immediately
returned with the right card in her
mouth.
Mr.. Hamerton himself then examined