The morning call., 1890-11-23
PETS ON A MAN-O'-WA AR.
A Parrot That Gave the Order,
"Strike Eight Bells"

1t is impossible for a landsman to imagine
the amount of pleasure derived from pets
On board of one Of Uncle Sans cruisers in
fore On seas during the dog watches, when
Jackey is in want Of new diversions. The
monotony of Shiptoard life would be oppres-
sive in the eXtr, me were it not for the patience
of Jack in fondling, caring for and training
animals found in foreign chimes where per-
mission TO visit the shore is denied the sailor.
While the writer was serving on the
Brooklyn few years ago number OF pets
were gathered from their wild homes in
Africa and Madagascar prior to and after
the transit of Venus expedition of 1883.
Captain Weaver had fine collection OF
gray parrots from Cape Town, of which ne
thought great deal. One of the most PROM
Using met with watery grave while impris-
oned in his cage, due to the carelessness of
a steward who attempted to clean the home
of the beauty on the gangway, where he
lost his held on the cage, which fell and
sank beneath the quiet waters OF the Rio de
Ia Plata.
Another of the number excited attention
and comment by calling Come in!' to the
knock of the orderly on the door Of the Cap
tain.
As time wore on the bird began to arrest
the attention of officers and men by its COM
mand to strike Eight bells and call the
watch" given with all the expressive EN-.
phasis of the tired watch officer anxious for
his relief when s o'clock had been an
nOunced to the Captain. The commanding
officer consequently became very much at
tached to his bird, which learned to repeat
whole sentences calculated to be especially
gratifying 10 the Captains children in after
days.
On the transit of Venus expedition
great variety of pets was secured, among
which a young guanaco was tie most con-
nj al
lustrous eyes were so expressive Of gentle
ness that it seemed pity To keep it IN cap
tivity. Tie men tried every means to tame
it, but it died before becoming accustomed
10 its new surroundings. A young ostrich
lived on the forecastle for some weeks, and
astonished all by voracious appetite. 1t
finally died, however, from undigested cop
per taeks.
On the Madagascar cruise the greatest
variety of pets we're collected Among the
most amusing and entertaining was mon
key named Mayjunja, alter Mojanga in
Madagascar, where it was given to the
marine officer. This monkey stood about
feet inches high; it was very good
natured and was secured by heavy chain,
notwithstanding WHICH she frequently broke
adrift, and the efforts to capture her in the
rigging and in different parts of the ship
created great deal OF fun. Her frequent
| excursions to the quarters of the officers
provoked many excavations from the confines
| of the ward-room, when an inkstand was
found to be upset, the teeth OF combs
wrecked, photographs OF loved ones at home
scattered and variety OF other misde-
meanors committed. Frequent appeals to
the owner of the monkey Tor relief resulted
in sale to an American circus company,
and Mayjunga was one of the attractions OF
the snowy posters.
At MontevideO Jackey. with a view of
having Thanksgiving dinner, secured a
young pig, which was duly named dennis"
1t did not take long for his porkship to
become drilled into the wishes of his
trainers. He was always on hand at the
hatchway when the bell struck s for
meals. In the rear guard of the diners Den
lis would waddle along with his char
acterisiic grnnt During meal hours Dennis
would tr0t the deck with Tom" noble,
| knowing cat, and terror to m0usehood,
astride his back, specialized, and with
cigarette in his feline mouth.
AT CapetOwn, South Africa, chameleon
was one Of the steerage pets. This strange
creature. called Dick, was fed with flies,
and after getting remarkably fat one day
gave birth to twenty-one little chameleons.
The youngsters thrived for awhile and
finally died. Dick grievcd so much over her
loss that she pinned away, until one morning
early her lifeless body was found on the
table by Jimmy Legs on his rounds.
Referring to Mayjnnga, the incorrigible
monkey, the writer cannot refrain from tell
Ing Oh Il Will Ills nlH0DpSS. OD
the occasion OF his transfer to the circus pre-
cinctS he showed signs Of INSTRUMENTATION
toward his trainer. His sense of superiority
over his dwarfed companions when in the
arena for drill caused the monkey temper
to raise, much to the annoyance OF his kim
bred and the master of ceremonies. For his
stnbbornness confinement with dry bread
and very little water was the punishment
inflicted to bring him TO terms of pupilage.
Being in the vicinity OF the circus grounds
one warm afternoon desire came over Inc
to visit "Mayiunga." While inspecting the
various performing animals inquired how
our monkey was making out In his new de-
parture. The answer was anything but
encouraging, and on my expressing SYM
| pathy for tile trainer in his vain efforts
to curb the obstinate spirit, was invited to
have look at the animal. As soon as the
| door of his kennel as opened and his
| monkeyship espied me, squeal, rush and
| embrace around my white-appareled body
ensued ere could catch breath. Fancy
| three and half feet of monkey flesh cling
Ing to me with upturned face and eyes full
| oil entreaty 10 restore him to his former
| home and save him the humiliation of con-
sorting with minor family.
OF course my persuaSions had to come in
play, so / asked for piece OF cube sugar
and threw it on the ground, when his grasp
was loosened and l was beyond the reach Of
| his chain with an imprint of his muddy
paws and body on coat. vest and trousers.
A change of clothes was soon made. and
vowed vengeance on that monkey while
retiring from his piteous cries.
Volumes could be written concerning the
| pets trained ON our cruisers.
There is really but one place in the world
where violins are made extensively. That
| place IS Markneukirchen, with its surround
ing villages. There areatogether about L.
900 people living there who do nothing else
but make violins. The inhabitants, from