Waterbury evening Democrat., 1889-02-08
CUTE BABY BUNTING.
4 LITTLE MARE THAT CAN DO
 SOME BIG TRICKS.

- SOME BIG TRICKS. Born of American Parents in China, She
 Now Belongs to a New York Policeman.
 Her Owner Refuses Fabulous Offers for
 Her-some of Baby's Tricks.
 Baby Bunting is 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 she was born from American parents, who were full blooded Plymouth stock, and, strange to say, full grown and as large an ordinary horse. Soon after her arrival the little offspring took a sudden dislike to growing, and for the past six years has remained in her babyhood form with the exception of few teeth Her mane also declined to grow, and it is now no longer than when she was born. At the age of 9 years the little marc was brought to America I and presented to a New York policeman. She bad experienced a 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, l did not go.
 | AT THE TRAINING SCHOOL. He conceived the idea of having the minia- ture marc 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. Hill, l 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 1 tendant was busily engaged in bathing the l legs of the marc and cleaning her nicely. l The doctor explained that they always did this, because when horse feels nice and clean | it will go through the tasks with much less 1 obstinacy. After, the toilet had been con- cluded the doctor went to the far end of tho | stable and said:
 Baby, come here!"
 l The little animal answered with alacrity and while she affectionately rubbed her nose l against his knee the trainer explained his method of teaching.
 "In the first place" said he, "when take an animal to train I always take a 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 due it and get it into the right state of mind l No, rarely use q whip, although always carry one to brisk up an animals movements when it falls into sluggish mood. I have learned by experience that kindness is the only way that difficult feats can bo taught to animals. Of course, l might beat them into doing the trick, but they would soon forget it, and would fail to perform unless compelled to do so with the aid of the lash. The horse has memory equal to that of q human be- ! ing, and when once taught by kind methods it will never forget We'll, Baby" said he, turning to his charge, 'do you want to go through your tricks?'
 The little mare looked up and then con- menced to nod her head, which plainly indi- cated "Yes"
 | little head was shaken savagely from side to aide, a decided 'No" Several other ques- tions were also propounded to the animal,
 who answered them appropriately.
 "Of course" " said the doctor, 'sthe creature does not yet know what am asking her, but 1 she will come pretty near to doing so in time. The reason she mods is because make her do so. When I want her to answer Yes gently rub her foreleg, and she never fails to reply. When No is wanted, I place my hand on the back of her head near her neck and after a few quick passes she responds. l Both of these movements of mine are secrets, and they arc never noticed by an audience, who think that am fondlng the horse. See if you can do it."
 The reporter tried the two motions over and over again, while all sorts of questions were propounded, but the little animal re- mained stoical and would not be induced to move her head It was indeed 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 Baby quickly rose. He then started her across the 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 it alone.
 Baby, lie down and make believe you're 1 dead," commanded the trainer. The Baby | knew what was wanted, but as the trick had