Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1873-12-17
NO. 2ss.
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CURIOUS AND INTERESTING.

1t is curious question whether animals
take notice of the events which are, pass
ing around them, but which nevertheless
are apparently outside Of the sphere Of
their instinct. NJ. Theophile Gautier, the
well-known French Journalist and writer.
has raised this question in regard to the
animals which were in Paris during the
siege and he brings forward several facts,
which he says fell under his own observa-i.
ton, to prove that they not only took no
tice of passing events, but regulated thsir
movements accordingly. He observes
that the dog took notice, from the very
first day, OF the abnormal condition of
Paris. The unusual movements of the In.
habitants, the almost universal change
from civil to military costume, the exer-s
cising of the Mobiles and the National
Guards on the public paraJes, the eontin-
ual sounding Of the trumpets and heating
of drums, Kept them, constantly excited
and uneasy, and set them rejecting.
Some of them, refugees from the suburbs
with their masters, visibly lost their pow
er of finding their way about. They hesi-
tated in the choice Of streets, were uncer-
tain of the traces scented, their path. and
at every corner consulted some other dog
which lived in the neighborhood. These
suburban dogs were scared at the noise Of /
passing vehicles, and ran from them, while
the city dogs scarcely took the trouble to
get out OF the way of the wheels. "Eyery
morning" says Nj. Gautier, .'there assem-
bled before our door what appeared to be
u council OF dogs, presided over by q
broad-backed, brandy-legged. brown.and-
yellow terrier. The other dogs paid him
great Difference, and listened to him at
tentively. 1t was evident that he spoke to
them, not after the manner of men. In an
articulate language, but by short barks,
varied mutterings, pursing OF the lips,
play of the physiognomy. Every now and
then new conner seemed to bring news .
and the council commented on it, and after
q while dispersed" .''1N y
This went on during the first month or
two of the siege, when bread was plentiful,
the stock of beef was still considerable,
and the dearness of forage rendered horse
meat abundant The animals did not suf-
fer then; but soon things began to change,
and their rations diminished as those OF
men did. The poor creatures could not
understand it, and gazed at their owners
with wondering eyes when their meagre
pittance was placed before them. They
seemed to ask what they had done to be
so punished. Many masters abandoned
their dogs, not having the courage to kill
them and these animals were to be seen
at night wandering, like shadows, near
the walls, and trying to induce kind.look-l
ing persons to have pity on them. NJ.
Gautier says he was continually followed
by them, they uttering faint cries all the
while, and sometimes ven.uring TO put
their noses to his hand Soon they began
to perceive that people looked at them, in,
a strange manner. and, under pretence Of
caressing them, felt their flesh, as a butch
er would, to ascertain if they were in good
condition. The cats perceived this sooner
than the dogs did, and became exceeding
ly cautious as to whom they allowed TO
touch them; on the least quick movement
they fled to the roof or the cellar; but at
length the dogs ''smelt rat," and ran
away when any one called or whistled to
them. The canine council, before men
toned, diminished daily, and there soon
remained no one OF its members but the
dreaming terrier, who. however, was only
dreaming in appearance; for in reality he
was always on his guard, seeming danger
afar off. and showing his heels at the APP q,
proach of any one at all suspicious
Leeds Mercury. '-' '''''4+
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