New-York tribune., 1903-08-20
NEW PUBLICATIONS..
Books IN Light and Serious Vein.

Though Frank c. Bostock's book THE
Training of Wild Animals CThe Century Com
panyO begins with the tale of a runaway lion,
loose in a Birmingham sewer, and ends with
chapter on accidents. the author is not disposed
TO look upon his occupation as more hazardous
<han many others less subject the popular
thrill He combats several traditional notions
about animal training, such a the belief that
animals drugged. and that cruelty is prac-
tised in exhibitions. 1t is much the same with
animals, he says. with race horses No
owner Of valuable horses allows anything but
kindness in the treatment they receive, and wild
animals have a market value which insures
corresponding care. Travelling is better for
animal than stationary confinement. They take
an alert interest in being moved about from
place TO place, and enjoy better health in con-
sequence.
For the common CONGRATULATIONS on the nature
of wild beasts. the idea that the lion is brave
and the tiger treacherous, for example, the au-
thor's experience has not left him much regard
IT is the individual in all cases that the trainer
has to watch, to study, and continuously 10
overawe No matter how long feline has been
trained, his obedience ard submission cease the
moment he detects his power of injury. 1t Is
the trainers constant task 10 disguise the true
relation OF the opposing forces In reading this
book one comes upon many cases Where a mo-
eous tear by a playful set Of claws has been re-
ceived without a sign. To let the animal see
that he has the ability even TO annoy IS danger
Gus. Most of the instances of noteworthy con-
duct IN the ring the cage, 1t should be said,
are drawn from the doings Of other trainers
The book IS pleasantly inspired with a lack of
professional glorifcation. Another popular no
ton that the eye has great influence in main
tanning control is disposed Of by the frequency
with which trainers have TO turn their backs
upon their pupils. Mr.. Bostock admits that
there is always a chance Of death in a stroke,
when tn back is turned; but insists that it is
only the brain which controls group of beasts.
Even on this basis 1t is not always possible to
bridge the gulf between the Two orders Of in
teIligences: as in the case cited of the lion who
was accidentally caught with a snap Of the whip
on the tip of his nose
For moment the animal paused. though
too surprised to DO anything else; then ne
rubbed his nose refectively, though still try
ing TO solve the problem. The trainer, who had
first grown rigid with fear Of what might follow,
kept a careful eye the lion; but as he ap-
peared quiet and only puzzled, and as the train
er concluded the blow could have hurt him only
slightly, he thought that was the end Of it,
At the next performance the lion sprane at
the first flick Of the whip, and never failed to do
so thereafter. so that it was impossible
tnue using him.
The book gives vivid sense Of the difficulties
in q trainers work and of the various natures
with which he has to contend, which grow for
him in interest with increasing experience.
Photographs of animals performing, and Of their
masters. are reproduced in illustration.