The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1903-10-17
MUSIC PLEASES THE BEASTS.
Experiments Show That They Are
Susceptible to Melody.
Brooklyn Eagle.

Brooklyn Eagle.
A. l.. Princehorn, curator of the big zoo
at Glen island, is conducting series of
tests OF the effect of music on animals
which IS attracting the attention of sci
entists and naturalists. The tests, so far as
they have progressed have deyeloped
some remarkable results. They demonstrate
that nearly all members of the animal king
dom are more or less susceptible to the in
fiuence of melody.
OF the very savage animals the wolf is
probably the quickest TO succumb to the
charms of music. The average wolf is usu-
ally seen pacing up and down his cage
showing his restlesness in captivity. The
wolves at Glen island are no exception
TO this general rule. When Mr. Princehorn
ana a Viollnist approached their cage yester-
day they were running up and down drag
glng their hides against the strong steel
bars as If anxious for liberty. They did
not, apparently, pay the slightest atten-
ton TO the two men before them.
The viol.nist began plaintive melody and
both wolves paused and looked up with an
expression of mingled fear and wonder
Then one of them, the largest and most
vicious of the pair, laid down and stretched
his head over his forefeet in an attitude fire.
quently taken by dogs. The other one also
laid down, but in different position. Their
eyes closed and they were apparently lulled
to sleep. The instant the music ceased both
beasts opened their eyes, then, springing to
their feet, resumed their restless pace up
and down the cage.
A lively tune was then begun and both
ANIMALS came to a standstill again. They
stood and watched the player. but were not
influenced by his work as they were by the
softer melody. The air was suddenly
changed to Annie Laurie" which was
rendered slowly and with feeling, and both
beasts apparently went to sleep. 1t is
claimed that old travellers in Russia invaria-
bly, carry musical instruments to prevent
On the monkeys the music seemed to have
very little effect. The common Brazilian
rins,tailed, probably the most mischievous
na0 70 f1,o fr0n nf 10 n 70
and hung to the bars as close to the musi-
clans as was possible, if endeavoring TO
discern the cause of the strange sounds.
Apparently satisfied they soon scampered
away and paid no further attention.
The elephants particularly fond of
music This has frequently been shown by
bands are playing. During recent opera
ton. when the tusks of Basil, the largest
OF the elephants, were filed down and brass
caps placed on them, Superintendent Frank
Heaiy had man playing harmonica until
the task was completed.
II found out years ago that music soothes
an elephant, Mr.. Healy said, land L can't
account for it. One time i'm London a small
boy released couple of mice among the
herd in the zoo and there almost a
stampede. An elephant is very much afraid
OF mouse. The two mice in this instance
were soon killed, but the poor elephants
continued to tremble with fear until one of
the keepers who had recently come from
India, got a fiddler to play and in very
and seemed TO forget their fright
Yesterday when the violinst began TO play
in front of the bear pit the big cinnamon
Immediately started to dance. 1t hoped
about on one foot and then another and
scientific man who had been aiding Mr..
Princehorn in the tests began to make copi-
Gus notes. He had filled several pages when
some one informed him that the bear had
formerly been the property of an itinerant
Italian who took him about at the end OF a
chain and taught him TO dance in order to
attract pennies from spectators. The scien-
tific man was much disgusted.
The kangaroos were the more susceptible
TO the effects OF the music than any of the
other animals. They continually kept time
TO the strains and when the air was partic-
ularly lively danced about like gleeful chill
dren.
The lions showed attention nut not of a
marked degree. When the strains We're
lively they opened their eyes and when OF
l. a pathetic character closed them
The deer showed particular delight i'm the
music. One came close TO the musician and
began swaying its body as il keeping time
At times il would raise ITS feet and turn
half way around and back The latter re-