The Princeton union. [volume] (Princeton, Minn.) 1876-1976, 1893-11-23
CHARAC TER IN ANIMALS
THEY HAVE INDIVIDUAL
54@5. TRAITS LIKE MAN.

Some of Them Are Genial and Liberal and
Others Are Cross and Misery "A Young
Squirrel That Was tho Embodiment of
Mischief = ii
Man too often looks upon the lower
orders as possessed Of pothing but
selfish instincts and impulses and as
being moved by nothing but animal
appetites. He becomes tyrant over
them and never for moment dreams
that they can comprehend his mean
ness and injustice A little more of
observation would remove this i'm
preston, says w. G: Barrett in Sci
ence. Who that has been in close
con Iact with any class of animals but
can call to mind instances of the ex-
ercise OF gratitude, real benevolence,
and magnanimity that would do honor
to the noblest human beings?
This is not confined to domestic
animals, nor can the exhibition of
special traits be attributed to their
association with man. It is a truth
which no observer will deny that
some are quite incapable of affection
ate impulses. They seem to have
sufficient intelligence, but like some
men they are utterly and entirely
selfish, while others are even morose
and vindictive. There is as distinct
and characteristic an individuality in
their natures as in that of human
creatures. It is an interesting exer-
else to study these personal peculiar
tiles even in wild animals, and to de-
tect the human traits which dis
tinguish each. Birds that seek the
companionship of man exhibit wide
variation in individuality. 1t is not
difficult to obtain the confidence and
trusting faith of some robins, for in
stance, while others are ever sus-
picious and distrustful
Twas once possessed of a common
red squirrel that was caught when
but few days old, and which had
the most charming personal charac-
teristics imaginable. I never saw in
any human being a stronger marked
Individuality than this animal pos
sessed. 1t was as playful as young
kitten, and delighted in the atten-
tions Of anyone of whom it was fond.
It was as atfectionate and as demon
strative as ever I saw young child.
1t had withal a merry, playful mis-
chievousness that while it was at
times vexatious made it seem almost
human. 1t was allowed to run about
the rooms at will, and it found the
most constant delight in entangling
a piece of knitting or other work, and
when detected in attaining some in
accessible height, then indulging In
chuckling kind of chatter.
She was subject to likes and dis
likes, and every visitor who entered
the room was carefully scrutinized.
If it was a lady who was looked upon
with favor, her hair was pretty sure
to be pulled down by the demonstra-
tions of affection and out of a SEEM
ing pure love for good natured mis-
chief. If, on the other hand, the
visitor was looked upon with distrust,
he could never get near the animal.
1t loved to fondle those who were it's
favorites, and exhibited the utmost
affection for them. Indeed, it's at
tentiOn sometimes became too in
trusive for comfort.
One unlucky day an accident de-
prived poor Jennie of her life, and I
obtained another, caught at quite as
early an age and always treated with
the same kindness and care I had
expected another such charming net.
but there was no more similarity in
disposition than there might be be-
tween two utterly diverse children.
The second animal was morose, sui
len, vindictive-in every way dis
agreeable. The first one would never
under any circumstances attempt to
bite, while the second was at least
always threatening it, forever scold-
ing and chattering, until at last I
gladly gave it freedom in the woods
and obtained successor.
This one was unlike either of the
others. 1t was not playful nor af-
fectionate, nor was it perverse or
churlish. 1t was complete exem-
piification of the miser, and it's whole
character was absorbed in its AGO uis-
itiveness. It was ever hunting for
nuts and other things which struck
its fancy, usually articles of food,
which it carried away to a secret
place in closet Occasionally these
were taken out by some member of
the family and placed in another
room for the purpose of watching
the seeming. exultation with which
the squirrel made their discovery,
and the enjoyment it appeared to
take in carting them away again and
hiding them. 1t would run back and
forth with such extreme assiduity
that it would tire itself out and drop
painting on the floor, only after Jew
moments rest to recommence the
task. If the newly found treasure were
suddenly removed during it's absence
there would seem to be the most
poignant disappointment. The ami
NAL would for a time search anxious
ly for the vanished wealth, and then
IN succession visit the members of
the family who were present, and
seem TO beseech its return, as if
knOwinD that thew were, rasnone;h1o