Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1897-07-04
MADE THE COW MAD.


ceivable way and In the most unmistak-
able and impressive manner. imploring
me to desist.
MADE THE COW MAD.
But this hero was possessed of lighter
qualities as well. He had keen sense
Of humor and used to amuse himself at
times in rather remarkable way. The
lot on which the cottage stood was Sc
parated from a pasture. or grazing lot,
by a fence which he could jump easily
from the house side, partly because the
ground was higher on that side ana
partly because Of the rail which ran
along inside several inches below the
top Of the fence; but. he could only
jump 1t from the pasture side at one
point-back near the stable where there
was a nile of manure. We had fine
AYRSHIRE COW. and, whenever she had
young calf, almost every evening would
witness the same absurd scene. Cover
nor would jump the fence from the yard
side and make at the calf with furious
demonstrations-he would not have hurt
it for the world. On the instant. the
cow. tail curled over her back.
would rush upon him with wild below
ings. He would dodge and double for
awhile, until he grew a little tired, ana
then, letting out his speed, would reach
the manure pile by a good. safe lead,
and there he would stand on the top,
until the horns OF the Infatuated COW
almost grazed his body. Then hight
spring over the fence, and, from q posi-
ton Of perfect safety. he would enjoy
her impotent rage. OF course he did not
wave his fingers at the end of his nose.
as a boy would have done. but the gem
tie wag of the member at the other end
of his body was quite as expressive.
To the cow of course, this was very
far from a humorous performance. but
frequently both animal participants in
such scenes are shamming. A few years
since. walking up Grace street. In a
beautifully shaded yard, saw pointer
dog, madly pursuing large. lop-eared
rabbit. who lodged and doubled beauti-
fully. but seemed to be in great terror
I was so much concerned that / entered
the yard, and, pulling the door-bell vio-
lently, told an old gentleman In gown
and slippers, who promptly responded.
that the dog was killing his rabbit. With
a bland smile, he said: Eyes, sir; he kills
him about four times during the evening.
Won't you wait and witness the murder?'
A moment later the rabbit gave up and
rolled over on the grass, when the dog
plCkeQ MIN up ny HIS ears titu, MS
him under q tree, mouthed AID paved
him little while. TIL pursuer and pur-
sued dropped off in a doze together.
During the latter part of Governors
life. we had Maltese cat of great beauty
and activity, but the very meanest and
vilest spirited animal l ever saw. and
she was peculiarly given to venting her
spleen and spite against the splendid fell
low. 1t was her special delight to in
terrupt him at his meals, and, no matter
how much nicer her own food might be,
she would leave II and go snarling up
to his plate, splitting at him. boxing his
Jaws, and scratching his face. With
most exemplary patience and self-control
he would retire and sit down a
little way off, while she SIM
ply mouthed his victuals. He
would wait until she got through and
chose to leave; but. II he recommended
his dinner before she got out OF sight,
she would return and repeat her mean
and offensive performance. / drove her
off whenever l CHANGED to see her be-
having in this way, and pc always SEEM
ed very much relieve~ but he would
neither resist nor resent her outrages.
on the contrary. on cold winter nights
he would allow this vile cat to share his
between his forepaws, and many time
| have seen her dark blue-gray head peer
ing out from his glistening white neck.
while her entire body was warmly cover
ed with the soft fur robe of his beautiful
throat and breast.
This magnificent. great-hearted crea-
ture-friend of my boyhood days. close
" interviewer with memories OF my dear
father and mother and eldest sister. and
my beloved next younger brother-all
now passed into the unseen worid-was
poisoned, let us believe by accident. for
what soulless wretch could have had mo-
tive for such dabolical deed? We
missed him, searched diligently, and found
him; but, alas, too late! He died plying
my grief and licking my hand. For
months I was moody and heart-oroken'
and. as / believe, only the intense excite
ment of my later college struggles saved
me from serious harm
ROBERT STILES.