The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1898-03-19
INTELLIGENCE IN ANIMALS.
Four Footed Creatures Differ the Same
as Men.

ao Nicu
Head Keeper Black burne Of the
National Zoo Is probably as we'll ac-
quainted with animals as amy man Of
his age in the world. He was what is
known as keeper of the cats" with
circus and has had great experiences
with all kinds and varisties. He does
not fear any of them, and they seem to
he aware of the fact. Recently In conyer-
sation with a Star reporter he said that
in order to handle animals properly, as
in everything ellie, the person must un-
derstand them thoroughly. They have
much more sense anu understanding, he
says, than they are given credit for.
1hey can tell In au instant when any
one is afraid of them, and will take ad-
vantage of it in IN moment At the same
time, no says, nerve is not everything re-
quisits In Goine among wild beasts with
impunity. Their moods and tompers
change just the same as do those of
persons, and treatment which will pe
well received one day will probably Invite
an attack another.
IF there is any familiarity to be in
dulged in tetween a keeper and an
animal, said Mr.. Blackhurne. always
lst Ii come from the man and never from
the beast. If no wants 10 pet an animal,
all well and good, but he must never let
one Of them have an idea that il can pre-
sumo to Jolly keeper. If this takes
place control is lost over the animal, as
1t Immediately imaSines ii Is rs capable
Of running things ns it's keepers. The old
adage that familiarity treeds contempt Is
rever more truly exempliiisd thon be-
tween a keeper and an animal. Ihero is
a great cenl Of difference in the methods
of training animals. / should much
rather have to deal with q spirited animal
wbioh would most likely make an at
tempt to attack, tie first time one en-
tered its cage, than one which would
sneak around and try TO get out Of the
way. The former animal can be trained
to do alir ost anything. as it shows its
superior intelligence in making an effort
to defend itself A snenkv animal have
found can never he subdued OF trusted at
any time. one that will have every ap-
pearance Of being mortally in fear when
It's cage Is entered and will strive to get
away will spring In moment II ones
back 10 turned. there Is a difference in
the csste Of animals even. Dunk, the
large elephant, IL 9 much higher caste
animal than Gold Dust. That can ps
tcld almost from looking at the two
snimals. Dunk is traetatls and docile.
He seems to understand that IL is much
better fer him 10 te so than otherwise,
not because he is sfrald Of punishment.
On the other hand, Gold Dust is APPARENTLY
docils because he is afraid that he will
get the We rst If IL IL he does anything
wrong. The ether has naturally no de-
sire TO overstsp the bounds. Goli Dust
Is more of ns;rub elephant, and he looks
IL. No matter how much he Is fed, hs
will not become fle.hy. There is almost
eating. when ore watches it, as there is
between that Of highly refined society
woman and a low down tramp. Just
watch thtm."
Hay was thrown to both animals. Gold
Dust hardly waited for it 30 touch tfe
floor i'm front OF him before he whipped
out his trunk. grabbed mp bunch Of it
indiscriminately and shovsd II iuto his
mouth as II he had been man taking n
huge bits of tread. Dunk carefully
spread out his hay. taking q wisp ut q
time, the choicest portions, until be had
made q roll about foot in length and
two or three inches thick. When Is had
teen arranged TO his tasts ne put II into
his mouth and chewsd IL up, finishing
it tefore beginning on some more. Tie
other elephant had eaten all Of his hay
iefcre Dunk had talf finished his 10
was simply n display, OF large scale. Of
the table manners of~Beiu Brummsl and