Evening journal. [volume] (Wilmington, Del.) 1888-1932, 1889-02-06
CUTE BABY BUNTING.
"A LITTLE MARE THAT CAN DO
SOME BIG TRICKS.

Baby Bunting is q pretty little coal black
mare, weighing the surprising amount OF
ninety pounds and standing just thirty-two
inches high.
The little mare first saw the light Of day in
Hong Kong, where shc was born from
American parents, who we're full blooded
Plymouth stock. and, strange to say, full
grown and as large as an ordinary horse.
Soon after her arrival the little offspring took
a sudden dislike TO growing, and for the past
six years has rema ined in her bGbyhood form
with the exception of a few teeth Her name
also declined to grow, and it is now no longer
than when she was born. At the age Of
years the little mare was brought to America
and presented to New York policeman. She
had exI erienced very rough passage, and it
was thought that she would not live long.
The policeman had several children, how.
ever, and it was through their kind and ten
der nursing that Baby Bunting still wears
shoes today. The blue coated official was
often offered almost fabulous prices for the
horse by rich men and dime museum freak
hunters, but his children were always given
the right Of decision in this question, and OF
course Baby Bunting as they christened her
did not CO.
AT THE TRAINING SCHOOL
He conceived the idea Of having the rninia
ture mare trained for the ring. The plan
was talked over, and the children thought it
would be jolly fun. Baby Bunting was
therefore turned over to Dr. b. w. Fill. a
horse trainer Of Jersey City A World re-
porter visited the stables at Fourth and Hen
derson streets, Jersey City, and saw the little
animal go through her tricks and learn some
new ones. As the reporter entered, an at
tendant was busily engaged in bathing the
legs Of the mare and cleaning her nicely
The doctor explained that they always did
this, because when horse feels nice and clean
it viii go through the TASKS with much less
obstinacy. After the toilet had been con
cluded the doctor went to the far end Of the
stable and said:
Baby come herc!"
The little animal answered with elacrity,
and while she aiTectonately rubbed her nose
against his knee the trainer explained his
method Of teaching.
In the frst place. said he, "when take
an animal to train always take day or
two to study its temper and actions If
find it is obliging and quiet have an easy
task, but if it is at all vicious, have to sub
duo it and get it into the right state of mind.
No rarely use whip, although always
carry one to brisk up an animals movements
when it falls into a sluggish mood have
learned by experience that kindness is the
only way that dificnlt feats can be taught to
animals or course, l might beat them into
doing the trick, but they would soon forget
it, and would fail to perform unless compelled
to do 50 with the aid Of the lash. The horse
has q memory equal to that Of human be-
ing, and when once taught by kind methods
it viii never forget. Wen, Baby" said be,
turning to his charge. do you want to go
through your tricksln
The little mare looked up and then com
menced to nod her head, which plainly indi-
Gated Yes"
''Do you like the girlsl" This time the
little head was shaken savagely from side to
side, decided "No." Several other ques-
tons were also propounded to tho animal,
who answered them appropriately.
"Of course, said the doctor, 1.-THE creature
does not yet know what l am asking her, but
she win come pretty near to doing 50 in time
The reason she mods is because make her do
so. When | want her to answer Yes /
gently rub her foreleg, and she never fails to
reply. When No is wanted, | place my
hand ON the back Of her head near her neck
and after a few quick passes she responds
Both of these movements Of mine are secrets,
and they are never noticed by au audience,
who think that am fondling the horse. See
If you can do it,"
The reporter tried the two motions over
and over again, while all sorts Of questions
were propomded, but tho little animal re-
manned stoical and would not be induced to
move her head. 1t was indeed a secret.
MARVELLOUS INTELLIGENcE.
"Now. Baby" said the trainer, "get down
ON your knees and say your prayers" As he
said this he gently touched the knees of the
pet, who soon dropped down with her nose on
the floor "Amen" cried the doctor, and Beby
quickly rose He then started her across tho
stable and touched her knee again with the
whip. OF course she held that foot up and
walked lame Then he took the whip away
and made her do il alone.
Baby, lie down and make believe you're
dead commanded the trainer TIE Baby
knew what was wanted, but as tho trick had
been learned only the day before she was
some time in complying with the request
She finally got down and stretched out her
head at full length and closed her eyes. The
doctor then walked Off and said he was going
to call a dead wagon for her Then he said
he was going to get policeman to shoot her,
but she would not move. Suddenly he cried,
1.-THE barn is on firen At this the little one
jumped quickly to her feet and, after run
ming about the stable and finding there was
no FIRE, returned to the spot and dropped
down aosin. The doctor then went to her
and said, Baby, if you are alive, roll over
on the other side and then get up.n The lit
tie mare did so and quickly regained her feet.
Baby Bunting was then taught new trick,
which is one Of tho hardest for horse 70
learn. Il was to hold dinner bell in her
mouth and to ring it when so commanded.
At first she would not close her teeth at all,
but after a great deal of patience on the
part of the doctor she managed to keep her
teeth closed Then the doctor placed his
hand on her head, and by simply scratching
it a little Baby shook her head and rang the
bell. The doctor then lay down on his back,
and calling Baby 10 him commanded her
to walk over him. This she did, trembling
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