Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1877-02-21
AOrai Sense in 4 Horse.

l have horse who is now not less lhan
torty-one years old, and it is possible that
he is u year or two older; for thirty eight
years ago he was broken 10 use. He is at
present on the retired list. only occasional
y being called upon to lend u helping
shoulder to his younger colleague; but his
intellect IS ss fresh and Is full Of expedi-
euts rs ever. No horse ever knew better
now to save himself. to spare effort. ana
prolung his powers: no one was ever 50
cunning to slip his halter, open the feed.
box. and supply the phosphates, The ne
cessity of which to him he knew rs we'll us
any scientist / have seen him. through
u crack in 4 board shanty, used while the
stable was building, lift and lay aside with
his teeth six boxes which were piled atop
nt one another, until he found the oats at
the bottom Then, when nv head appear
ed at the window, he instantly gave up his
leisureiy, luxurious munching Of the grain
opened his Jaws to their fullest extent,
hrUs- his muZzie deep into the box. and
grayely walked back to his stall with 1T
east quart Of oats in his mouth. This
horse had playful habit Of snapping at
nv arm when he was harnessed for q
drive. q always talk to horse before
starting, rs = matter Of common polite
ness. Of course I never dinched. and his
teeth often grazed nv sleeve as he STRUCK
hem together, One dav, more than a
dozcn years ago, he was in rather reckless
spirits. and snapped little too vigorously,
catching nv arm actually IN his Jaws The
horse. however, showed such unmstaka-
bic 'igns Of regret and distress that I sim
ply said. Never DO that again And he
never did From that moment be gave
mp the habit of years; he laid back his
ears or teIgned anger in other ways. but
he never again made believe to bite. This
certainly, goes far beyond the temporary
sorrow for IN unintentI0nal injury which
may be referred to IN auimals affection
What else Is conscience than knowledge
OF wrong made permanent bv memory
which torhids the repetition Of he wrong
Lhe same horse once revealed TO me the
after quality in Z surprising way. On ell
.ng lie story privately / find that it is
sometimes increduIously received; vet
am sure that no one who Gherlshes the
proper respect tor animals will refuse it
credeHce. In the company OF friend I
vas driving along country road in
.lght open buggy. | paid no attention to
he horse, for ne could urn. back, Or exc
cute any other maunuvre in harness rs
well without Is with 4 driver Hating ut
- house where my friend wished to call. I
waited Tor MIN outside Presently the
horse looked back 1t ne. twisting bis body
between The thllls in 4 singular fashion. I
perceived that he had some communica-
ton to make. and said What is the mat
ter now, Benz Thereupon. by twisting
p little moro, ne managed 10 hold ND his
rgh, hind foot. md Z saw that the shoe
aad been ost. " That's right said I
You snail have 2 new shoe IS soon ts we
yet TO Lhe village lie set down his foot.
aud tUr . moment seemed satisfied Then
The same turning Jf he head and twisting
Of The body were repeated. " What Ben
S anything else lie NATTER I asked.
lie now lifted up The left hind foot. which
Vas still -Aod. I was quite 1t ! loss to IN
stand aim. and remained silent. lie ,ook-
ed 0acl Ut NE out Of he corner of his
aYe and evidently saw that I was puzzled.
whereupon he set lown his foot and seem
ed to .hlnk. Almost Immediately he lifted
it 1p and shook it vigorously. The loose
shoe ratified. There was / positive pro-
cess Of reasoning in his net Lud it IS too
simple and clear to De Interpreted in any
other way.-4tiaHtjc HJH.hlU.