The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1877-03-10
sagaoity Of the Horse.

DayaTu Taylor mas hu artlcle In the
atlantic Monthly on animals, from which
we take some anecdotes relating to the
horse 1t is a very common observation
of persons who own intelligent dogs, that
il they happen to describe to visitor some
fault for which the animal has been sculd-
cd or punished, in the latter's presence, he
will exhibit an uneasy consciousness Of
what is said, even sometimes quietly stink
away. But the extent to which horse,
also, may be taught to understand speech,
is not so generally known The simple
fact that he likes to be talked to makes
him attentive to the sounds, and | am
convinced that in great many cases he
has an impression of the meaning. have
at present horse who served his country
during the war, and came to ME only after
its close. His experience while on scout
ing service made him very suspicious of
any gray object, as soon discovered; he
would shy at fallen log in thicket, a
glimpse Of messy rock, or laborer's coat
left in fence-corner. By stopping him
whenever this happened, and telling him,
in an assuring tone, that there was moth
ing 10 fear, he was very soon completely
cured Of the habit But he still lifts up
his head, and would, if he could, cry "Ha!
Ia Ia !" when he hears the sound of the
trumpet.
| have horse who is now not less than
IL years old, and it is possible that he is
year or two older, for SO years ago he
was broken to use. He is at present on
the retired list, only occasionally being
called upon to lend helping shoulder to
his younger colleague; but his intellect is
as fresh and as full of expedients as ever
No horse ever knew better how to save
himself, to spare effort and prolong his
powers; no one was ever so cunning to slip
his halter, open the feed.box, and supply
the phosphates, the necessity Of which to
him he knew as well as any scientist.
l have seen him through crack in
board shauty used while the stable was
building, lift and lay aside with his teeth
six boxes which were piled atop of one
another, until he found the oats at the
bottom. Then, when my head appeared
at the window, he instantly gave up his
leisurely, luxurious munching of the grain,
opened his jaws to their fullest extent,
thrust his muzzle deep into the box, and
gravely walked back to his stall with at
least quart of oats in his mouth.
This horse had playful habit of snap
ping at my arm when he was harnessed
for drive q always talk to horse be-
fore starting, as a matter of common po-
liteness.) Of course | never Hinched, and
his teeth often grazed my sleeve as he
struck them together. One day, more
than dozen years ago, he was in rather
reckless spirits and snapped little too
vigorously, catching my arm actually in
his jaws. | scarcely felt the bite, but |
was very much surprised. The horse,
however, showed such unmistakable signs
Of regret and distress, that | simply said,
"Never do that again |" And he never
did From that moment, he gave up the
habit of years; he laid back his ears, or
feigned anger in other ways, but he never
again made believe to bite. This, certain
ly, goes far beyond the temporary sorrow
for an unintentional injury which may be
referred to an animals affection. What
else is conscience than knowledge of wrong
made permanent by a memory which for
bids the repetition of the wrong?
In the company Of friend, was driv-
ing the same horse along a country road
in light, open buggy. paid no atten-
tion to the horse, for he could turn, back,
or execute any other maneuyre in harness
as well without as with driver. Hating
at house where my friend wished to call,
| waited for him outside Presently the
horse looked back at me, twisting his body
between the thills in a singular fashion.
l perceived that he had some communica-
ton to make, aud said, "What is the mat
ter now, Ben?' Thereupon, by twisting
n little more, be managed to hold up his
right hind foot, and saw that the shoe
had been lost. That's right said |;
"you shall have new shoe as soon as We
get to the village" He set down his foot,
and for a moment seemed satisfied. Then
the same turning Of the head and twisting
of the body were repeated. "What, Ben!
is anything else the matter?" / asked.
He now lifted up the left hind foot, which
was still shod. was quite at a loss to
understand him, and remained silent. He
looked back at me out Of the corner of his
eye, and evidently saw that was puzzled
whereupon he set down his foot and
seemed to think. Almost Immediately he
lifted it up again, and shook it vigorously.
The loose shoe ratified There was a pos
tive process of reasoning in this act, and
it is too simple and clear to be interpreted
in any other way.