Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1885-02-06
rARM AND HOUSEHOLD.

domestic animals require some kind oil
training. The horse usually receives
great deal, while the cow, perhaps, re-
ceives less attention in this direction
than she ought. Whatever we wish our
animals to know, or whatever we ex'
pect or require of them, we must teach
them. And he who Is kind and patient
through all this work of training Will
be the one who will have the best sue
cess. 1t will probably be necessary to
punish an animal sometimes, but II
should be done wisely, and only when
deserved. With an animal, as with q
child, no punishment should be Inflicted
for an oflense that is purely accidental.
Ifacow steps on her masters foot when
he is tying her in the stable it is no rea-
son why he should give her kick, even
though he c. ance to have corn Just
o where she placed her foot. TO some II
may seem too brutal TO speak of man
kicking his COW, but l have seen this
done, not few times, and by men who
certainly knew better. Think oil man
irving to break a COW of the habit OF
kicking when he INDUCES in the same
himself. And she, an irresponsible, IT.
rational creature, while he bears the
image of an enlightened, accountable
man.
IL is'interesting and wonderful to see
how much animals are capable OF being
taught. Those who understand these
capabilities, and make use of them, rem
der the task of caring for the animals a
much pleasanter one; besides valuable
time is often saved. An animal that
will come at the sound of his masters
voice will save him many step during
the wear. One man steps into his past
ure and calls, aud in few minutes ms
horse is at his side. Another spends
half an hour in hunting for his horse,
and then has more or less difficulty IN
catching him.
A horse naturally timid and nervous,
should be handled with all the greater
gentleness. There is no need Of throw
ing the harness heavily on his back; it
can be placed there gently justly as
well; and no good can come from the
cross, loud or harsh tone of voice. BY
Jerking, pulling and scolding, he can
easily be spoiled. The horse, so far az
possible, should be taught to obey his
masters word of command, without de-
pending wholly on the use of the halter
or rein. The rein may unsuckle or
break, when on the road, and serious
accident may be avoided, If the horse Is
thus trained to obey.
The nervous, untrained heifer may be
far from the quiet, gentle COW we wish
her to become, and goodly amount OF
both kindness and patience may be
needed before she becomes such. One
thing is certain, what these cannot DO
i'm the right direction, harsh treatment
never can. like the plan of beginning
early i'm the training of animals; III
fact TO have a course ia view that Shall
commence with their birth. The power
of habit is strong in animals as well rs
in men; perhaps stronger in the former
since they have not the intellect 10
teach them the advantage or necessity
of any change. 1t is easier to teach
good habits in the start than to break
ND bad ones after they have been
formed.
Kindness to animals demands that
there be uniformity in the course OF
treatment adopted. Othwise they be-
come confused, and are often blamed
wber the blame is not theirs. In order
for them to know their place and duty
at all times, they must have master
who knows his, and who recognizes
theirs, one whom they can trust, and
on they can depend. Many a cross,
fractions or unruly animal has been
SO through improper training. often
imagine that see in some animal certain
traits of his master. These dumb crea-
tures around US may know more than
we give them credit for knowing, and
The silent workings of our influence
over them may be far greater than we
suppose.