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STORIES OF ANIMAL SAGACITY.
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THE HORSE AND THE CHILD.
"PETHE GOOO OLD HORSE TOOK THE CHILD UP BY ITS CLOTHISE-
WITH HIS TEETH."
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STORIES OF
ANIMAL SAGACITY.
^ : ". ..._ .. -
THE CHAMOIS AND HER YOUNG.
SSee page 25 k.
'S. ^lelsori anb (ons, ^onian, binbttrh, snh ^thE gorh.
STORIES
OF
ANIMAL SAGACITY.
BY
W. H. G. KINGSTON,
AUTHOR OF "IN THE EASTEIlN SEAS," "IN THE WILDS OF AFRH'A," "ON THE
BANKS OF THE AMAZON," ETC.
adrith ,Sixtt llustztrtionz bp ajuarrison Eacir.
--4--t-----
LONDON:
T. NELSON AND SONS, PATERNOSTER ROW;
EDINBURGH; AND NEW YORK.
1874.
CONTENTS.
CHAPTER I.
enat3.
THE CAT AND THE KNOCKER......... 14 THE CAT AND THE PUPPIES........... 33
THE CAT AND THE RABBIT-TRAP ...... 17 THE CAT AND THE BURGLARS ........ 36
AFFECTION EXHIBITED BY A CAT...... 20 THE CAT WHICH RANG THE BELL..... 38
THE CAT AND HER YOUNG MIS- THE AFFECTIONATE CAT THAT COULD
TRESSES......... .... ... 21 MEASURE TIME.......... ......... 40
THE CAT WHICH DIED OF GRIEF...... 22 THE CAT AND THE PRISONER ... 41
THE CAT AND THE CANARY........... 24 THE CAT AND THE HAWK....... .. 42
THE CAT AND THE FROG.............. 25 THE BENEVOLENT CAT.............. 44
THE CAT AND HER DEAD KITTEN..... 26 THE CAT AND HER MANY GUESTS..... 45
THE KITTEN AND THE CHICKENS..... 28 THE DISHONEST CAT................ 46
THE CAT AND THE PIGEON........... 30 PUSSY AND THE CREAM-JUG......... 48
THE CAT AND THE LEVERET....... .. 32 THE REVENGEFUL CAT ......... 50
CHAPTER II.
THE DOG ROSSWELL ..... ...... 52 THE LOST KEYS.............. .. .. 70
TYROL, THE DOG WHICH RANG THE THE DOG WHICH ACTED AS CONSTABLE. 71
BELL...................... .. .. 56 THE LOST CHILD RECOVERED ......... 72
THE SHEPHERD'S DOU AND THE LOST DOG WAKING UP SERVANTS........... 75
CHILD................... ... 57 THE SHEEP-DOG AND HIS MISTRESS'S
MY DOG ALP............... .. 60 CLOAK.......................... 77
THE DOG AND THE THIEF........... 62 THE DOG AND THE MARE............. 78
THE CLEANLY DOG................. 6 THE TWO DOGS AND THEIR CHARGE.. 78
MASTER ROUGH ....................... 63 CRIB THE BULL-TERRIER SAVING THE
BYRON, THE NEWFOUNDLAND DOG.... 65 LIFE OF BOB THE SETTER......... 80
THE NEWFOUNDLAND DOG AND THE THE NEWFOUNDLAND DOG AND TBE
blAlKED SHILLING............... 67 THIEVISH PORTER................. 81
10 CONTENTS.
THE TERRIER AND THE DUCKLINGS... 82 THE POODLE AND THE STRANGER
THE NEWFOUNDLAND DOG SAVING THE ROBBER .......................... 103
MASTIFF....................... 84 THE DOG HOLDING THE THIEF ....... 104
THE NEWFOUNDLAND PUNISHING THE THE FAITHLESS WATCH-DOG.......... 105
LITTLE DOG ............... ... 86 THE SHOEBLACK'S DOG................ 106
THE TERRIER AND THE BANTAM...... 86 THE TERRIER AND THE PIN.......... 108
THE COMPASSIONATE DOG WHICH SAVED THE DOG AND HIS INJURED FRIEND.. 109
PUSSY'S LIFE..................... 88 THE DOG AND THE SURGEON.......... 110
FOP PLAYING AT HIDE-AND-SEEK..... 89 THE DOG PREVENTING THE CAT STEAL-
THE SPANIEL AND HIS FRIEND THE ING...................... ... 112
PARTRIDGE ................... ... 90 ONE DOG GETTING ASSISTANCE FROM
THE DOG WHICH TRACED HIS MASTER. 93 ANOTHER....................... 113
THE DOG WHICH TRAVELLED ALONE THE POINTER AND THE BAD SHOT.... 114
BY RAILWAY...................... 94 BASS, THE GREAT ST. BERNARD DOG .. 116
NEPTUNE; OR, FAITHFUL TO TRUST... 95 THE DOG AND THE NEWSPAPER....... 118
THE AFFECTIONATE POODLE........... 96 THE STEADY POINTER................ 118
THE NEWFOUNDLAND DOG AND THE THE YOUNG DOCTOR AND PINCHER.... 120
HATS............................ 98 SIRRAH, THE ETTRICK SHEPHERD'S
THE NEWFOUNDLAND DOG AND THE DO........................... 121
WRECK........................... 99 THE DOG AND THE FOWLS..... ..... 123
DANDIE, THE MISER................ 00 BARBEKARK, THE GREENLAND DOG.... 124
THE DOG AND THE BURGLAR......... 102 THE ESQUIMAUX DOG SMILE.......... 127
CHAPTER III.
Horses.
THE MARE AND HER FOAL............ 129 THE IRISH HORSE AND THE INFANT.. 139
THE NEWSMAN'S HORSE.............. 131 THE HUMANE CART-HORSE AND THE
THE TWO WISE CART-HORSES.......... 132 CHILD ......................... 140
THE AUTHOR'S HORSE BECOMING HIS THE FAITHFUL HORSE AND HIS RIDER. 142
GUIDE................... ...... 134 JACK AND HIS DRIVER.............. 145
THE WISE HORSE AND THE PUMP..... 136 THE HORSE WHICH FOUGHT FOR A
THE PONY WHICH SAVED A LITTLE DOG.............................. 146
GIRL'S LIFE. ..................... 136 THE ARAB STEED AND THE CHIEF.... 147
THE HORSE AND THE SHIPWRECK .... 138 THE OLD CHARGER.................... 148
CHAPTER IV.
Donkeys
DONKEY BOB, THE POLICEMAN........ 151 THE BAKER'S DONKEY ............... 156
THE ASS AND THE DOOR-LATCH....... 152 THE SHIPWRECKED ASS............... 158
THE ASS AND THE TEETOTALLER...... 154 THE OLD HAWKER AND HIS DON-
THE DONKEY AND HIS MISTRESS...... 155 KEY ............................. 158
THE BRAVE ASS AND HIS FOE ........ 155 THE MUSICAL ASS ............. 160
CONTENTS. 11
CHAPTER V.
Elephants.
THE ELEPHANT IN A WELL........... 162 THE ELEPHANT AND THE ROTTEN
THE ELEPHANT ACCUSING HIS DRIVER BRIDGE........................ 169
OF THEFT ....................... 165 THE ELEPHANT TURNED NURSE....... 170
THEELEPHANTANDTHETIPSYSOLDIER. 166 THE WOUNDED ELEPHANT AND THE
ELEPHANTS HELPING EACH OTHER.... 168 SURGEON ....................... 172
CHAPTER VI.
Oxen.
THE PROUD COW.................. 173 THE AFFECTIONATE BUFFALO-BULL.... 180
THE COW AND HER TORMENTOR ...... 174 THE KIND OX AND THE SHEEP........ 182
"A COW SEEKING HER CALF........... 176 THE COURAGEOUS BULL............. 183
"A SAVAGE BULL TAMED BY KINDNESS. 177 THE BRAVE BULL AND THE WISE
THE FAITHFUL BUFFALO.............. 178 PIG.... ...... .... .... .. 183
CHAPTER VII.
Sabage and Other Animal .
THE LION AND HIS KEEPER.......... 186 THE GOOD-NATURED BEAR AND THE
THE GENEROUS LION AND HIS ASSAIL- CHILDREN ....................... 210
ANTS.............. ............. 187 THE WISE HARE AND HER PURSUERS. 211
THE GRATEFUL LION ................. 188 THE CUNNING WOLF................. 212
THE TIGER AND HIS COMPANIONS..... 190 THE TIGER AND THE PARIAH-DOG.... 214
THE TIGRESS AND HER YOUNG........ 192 THE DOE-CHAM-OIS AND HER YOUNG.. 215
THE WOLF AND HIS MASTER.......... 193 THE CAPTURED WOLF ................ 216
FOXES: THEIR DOMESTIC HABITS...... 194 THE TAME OTTER.................... 218
THE FOX AND THE WILD-FOWL....... 197 THE OTTER AND HER YOUNG ONES.... 220
THE LABOURER AND THE SLY FOX.... 198 THE WISE BEAVER ................... 222
THE FOX IN THE HEN-ROOST.......... 200 THE RAT AND THE SWAN............. 223
THE FOX IN A PLOUGH-FURROW...... 201 THE RATS AND THE WINE-CASK ...... 223
THE FOX AND THE BADGER........ 202 THE MOUSE AND THE HONEY-POT..... 224
THE FOX AND THE HARES........... 204 THE EWE WHICH RETURNED TO HER
BIRDIE, THE ARCTIC FOX........ .... 205 OLD HOME...................... 226
THE POLAR BEAR AND HER CUBS..... 207 THE EWE AND HER LAME............. 229
THE HONEY SEEKER AND THE THE TWO WISE GOATS ..... ...... 229
BEAR ...... .... .. ........ 208 THE AFFECTIONATE SEAL.............. 230
12 CONTENTS.
CHAPTER VIII.
Birds.
THE GANDER AND THE BANTAM-COCK. 234 THE FACETIOUS RAVEN .............. 249
THE FARMER AND HIS GOOSE......... 237 THE ARCTIC RAVEN.................. 250
THE BLIND WOMAN AND HER GANDER. 238 THE EAGLE'S NEST .................... 251
THE PRISONER SET FREE.............. 238 THE TAME ROBINS.... ............. .. 252
THE TWO SPORTING FRIENDS.......... 240 THE AFFECTIONATE DUCK ............ 254
THE TWO HENS................ ....... 242 OLD PHIL THE SEA-GULL............ 256
THE WILD TURKEY AND THE DOG .... 243 THE TAME CROW.................... 257
THE BRAVE HEN...................... 244 THE OSTRICH AND HER YOUNG ....... 258
THE GALLANT SWAN AND HIS FOE.... 246 THE BLACKBIRDS AND GRIMALKIN.... 260
THE RAVEN AND THE BIRD-TRAP ..... 248 CONCLUSION.................... 262
t rI I
CHAPTER I.
Cats.
.f HAVE undertaken, my young friends, to give you
if a number of anecdotes, which will, I think, prove
that animals possess not only instinct, which guides
them in obtaining food, and enables them to enjoy
'" their existence according to their several natures,
but also that many of them are capable of exercising a
kind of reason, which comes into play under circumstances
to which they are not naturally exposed.
Those animals more peculiarly fitted to be the companions
of man, and to assist him in his occupations, appear to
possess generally a larger amount of this power; at all
events, we have better opportunities of noticing it, although,
probably, it exists also in a certain degree among wild
animals.
I will commence with some anecdotes of the sagacity
shown by animals with which you are all well acquainted
-Cats and Dogs; and if you have been accustomed to
watch the proceedings of your dumb companions you will
be able to say, "Why, that is just like what Tabby once
14 THE CAT AND THE KNOCKER.
did; or, "Our Ponto acted nearly as cleverly as that the
other day."
THE CAT AND THE KNOCKER.
WHEN you see Pussy seated by the fireside, blinking her
eyes, and looking very wise, you may often ask, I wonder
what she can be thinking about." Just then, probably,
she is thinking about nothing at all; but if you were to
turn her out of doors into the cold, and shut the door
in her face, she would instantly begin to think, "How can
I best get in again ?" And she would run round and round
the house, trying to find a door or window open by which
she might re-enter it.
I once heard of a cat which exerted a considerable amount
of reason under these very circumstances. I am not quite
certain of this Pussy's name, but it may possibly have been
Deborah. The house where Deborah was born and bred is
situated in the country, and there is a door with a small
porch opening on a flower-garden. Very often when this
door was shut, Deborah, or little Deb, as she may have been
called, was left outside; and on such occasions she used to
mew as loudly as she could to beg for admittance. Occa-
sionally she was not heard; but instead of running away,
and trying to find some other home, she used-wise little
creature that she was !-patiently to ensconce herself in a
corner of the window-sill, and wait till some person came
to the house, who, on knocking at the door, found immediate
attention. Many a day, no doubt, little Deb sat there on
the window-sill and watched this proceeding, gazing at the
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THE CAT AND THE KNOCKER,
16 THE CAT AND THE KNOCKER.
knocker, and wondering what it had to do with getting
the door open.
A month passed away, and little Deb grew from a
kitten into a full-sized cat. Many a weary hour was passed
in her corner. At length Deb arrived at the conclusion
that if she could manage to make the knocker sound a
rap-a-tap-tap on the door, the noise would summon the
servant, and she would gain admittance as well as the guests
who came to the house.
One day Deb had been shut out, when Mary, the maid-
servant, who was sitting industriously stitching away, heard
a rap-a-tap at the front door, announcing the arrival, as she
supposed, of a visitor. Putting down her work, she hurried
to the door and lifted the latch; but no one was there ex-
cept Deb, who at that moment leaped off the window-sill
and entered the house. Mary looked along the road, up
and down on either side, thinking that some person must
have knocked and gone away; but no one was in sight.
The following day the same thing happened, but it
occurred several times before any one suspected that Deb
could possibly have lifted the knocker. At length Mary
told her mistress what she suspected, and one of the family
hid in the shrubbery to watch Deb's proceedings. Deb was
allowed to run out in the garden, and the door was closed.
After a time the little creature was seen to climb up on the
window-sill, and then to rear herself on her hind-feet, in
an oblique position at the full stretch of her body, when,
steadying herself with one front paw, with the other she
raised the knocker; and Mary, who was on the watch,
instantly ran to the door and let her in.
THE CAT AND THE RABBIT-TRAP. 17
SMiss Deb's knock now became as well known to the
servant as that of any other member of the family, and, no
doubt to her great satisfaction, it usually met with prompt
attention.
Could the celebrated cat of the renowned Marquis of
Carrabas have done more, or better ? Not only must Deb
have exercised reason and reflection, as well as imitation,
but a considerable amount of perseverance; for probably
she made many vain attempts before she was rewarded
with success.
Some Scotch ladies told me of a cat they had when
young, brought by their grandfather from Archangel, which,
under the same circumstances, used to reach up to the latch
of the front door of a house in the country, and to rattle
away on it till admitted. I have seen a cat which the
same ladies now possess make a similar attempt.
Does it not occur to you that you may take a useful lesson
from little Pussy, and when you have an object to gain, a
task to perform, think over the matter, and exert 3. *1 it'
to the utmost till you have accomplished it?
THE CAT AND THE RABBIT-TRAP.
AN instance of the sagacity of a cat came under my own
notice. I was living, a few years ago, in a country place
in Dorsetshire, when one day a small tortoise-shell cat met
my children on the road, and followed them home. They,
of course, petted and stroked her, and showed their wish
to make her their friend. She was one of the smallest,
(424) 2
18 THE CAT AND THE RABBIT-TRAP.
and yet the most active of full-grown cats I ever saw.
From the first she gave evidence of being of a wild and
predatory disposition, and made sad havoc among the
rabbits, squirrels, and birds. I have several times seen
her carry along a rabbit half as big as herself. Many
would exclaim that for so nefarious a deed she ought to
have been shot; but as she had tasted of my salt, taken
refuge under my roof, besides being the pet of my children,
I could not bring myself to order her destruction.
We had, about the time of her arrival, obtained a dog
to act as a watchman over the premises. She and he were
at first on fair terms-a sort of armed neutrality. In pro-
cess of time, however, she became the mother of a litter of
kittens. With the exception of one, they shared the fate
of other kittens. When she discovered the loss of her
hopeful family, she wandered about in a melancholy way,
evidently searching for them, till, encountering Carlo, it
seemed suddenly to strike her that he had been the cause
of her loss. With back up, she approached, and :1i \i,: at
him with the greatest fury, attacked him till blood dropped
from his nose, when, though ten times her size, he fairly
turned tail and fled. Pussy and Carlo, after this, became
friends ; at least, they never interfered with each other.
Pussy, however, to her cost, still continued her hunting
expeditions. The rabbits had committed great depredations
in the garden, and the gardener had procured two rabbit-
traps. One had been set at a considerable distance from the
house, and fixed securely in the ground. One morning the
nurse heard a plaintive mewing at the window of the day-
nursery on the ground-floor. I-. opened it, and in crawled
THE CAT AND THE RABBIT-TRAP. 19
poor Pussy, dragging the heavy iron rabbit-trap, in the
teeth of which her fore-foot was caught. I was called in,
and assisted to release her. Her paw swelled, and for some
time she could not move out of the basket in which she
was placed before the fire. Though -i.ir,:i.;i intense pain,
she must have perceived that the only way to release herself
was to dig up the trap, and then drag it, up many steep
paths, to the room where her kindest friends-nurse and
the children-were to be found.
Carlo had been caught before in the same trap, and he bit
at it, and at everything around, and severely injured the
gardener, who went to release him. Thus Pussy, under
precisely the same circumstances, showed by far the greatest
amount of sagacity and cool courage. She, however, not
many weeks after her recovery, came in one day with her
foot sadly lacerated, having again been caught in a trap;
so, although she could reason, she did not appear to have
learned wisdom from experience. This last misfortune,
however, taught her prudence, as she was never again
caught in a trap.
You will agree with me that Pussy was wise in going
to her best friends for help when in distress ; and foolish,
having once suffered, again to run into the same danger.
You, my young reader, will be often entrapped, if you
lack strength to resist temptation. Your kind friends at
home will, I am sure, help you as far as they have the
power; but, that they may do so, you must on all occa-
sions trust them.
20 AFFECTION EXHIBITED BY A CAT.
AFFECTION EXHIBITED BY A CAT.
I WAS one day calling in Dorsetshire on a clever, kind old
lady, who showed me a beautiful tabby cat, coiled up before
the fire. Seventeen years ago," said she, "that cat's
mother had a litter. They were all ordered to be drowned
with the exception of one. The servant brought me one.
It was a tortoise-shell. 'No,' I said; 'that will always be
looking dirty. I will choose another.' So I put my hand
into the basket, and drew forth this tabby. The tabby has
loved me ever since. When she came to have a family, she
disappeared ; but the rain did not, for it came pouring down
through the ceiling : and it was discovered that Dame Tabby
had made a lying-in hospital for herself in the thatched roof
of the house. The damage she did cost several pounds ; so
we asked a friend who had a good cook, fond of cats, to
take care of Tabby the next time she gave signs of having a
family, as we knew she would be well fed. We sent her
in a basket completely covered up; and she was shut into a
room, where she soon exhibited a progeny of young mew-
lings. More than the usual number were allowed to sur-
vive, and it was thought that she would remain quietly
where she was. Not so. On the first opportunity she
made her escape, and down she came all the length of the
village, and early in the morning I heard her mewing at
my bed-room door to be let in. When I had stroked her
hack and spoken kindly to her, off she went to look after
her nurslings. From that day, every morning she came
regularly to see me, and would not go away till she had
THE CAT AND HER YOUNG MISTRESSES. 21
been spoken to and caressed. Having satisfied herself that
I was alive and well, back she would go. She never failed
to pay me that one visit in the morning, and never came
twice in the day, till she had weaned her kittens; and that
very day she came back, and nothing would induce her to
go away again. I had not the heart to force her back.
From that day to this she has always slept at the door of
lly room."
Surely you will not be less grateful to those who brought
you up than was mly old friend's cat to her. Acts, not
mere words, show the sincerity of our feelings. Consider
how you are acting towards them each hour and day of
your life. Are you doing your best to act well, whether
at home, at school, or at play ?
THE CAT AND HER YOUNG MISTRESSES.
MY friend Mrs. F-- gave me a very touching anecdote.
A lady she knew, residing in Essex, once had two young
daughters. They had a pet cat which they had reared from
a kitten, and which was their constant companion. The
sisters, however, were both seized with scarlet fever, and
died. The cat seemed perfectly to understand what had
taken place, and, refusing to leave the room, seated herself
on the bed where they lay, in most evident sorrow. When
the bodies of the young girls were placed in their small
coffins, she continued to move backwards and forwards
from one to the other, uttering low and melancholy sounds.
Nothing could induce her all the time to take food, and
22 THE CAT WHICH DIED OF GRIEF.
soon after the interment of her fond playmates she lay
down and passed away from life.
This account, given by the mother of the children,
makes me quite ready to believe in the truth of similar
anecdotes.
Tender affection is like a beautiful flower: it needs cul-
tivation. As cold winds and pelting showers injure the
fair blossoms, so passionate temper, sullen behaviour, or
misconduct, will destroy the love which should exist be-
tween brothers and sisters, and those whose lot is cast
together. C'li. i-l affectionate feelings in your hearts.
Be kind and gentle to all around, and your friends
will love you more even than the cat I have told you
about loved her mistresses.
THE CAT WHICH DIED OF GRIEF.
A LADY in France possessed a cat which exhibited great
affection for her. She accompanied her everywhere, and
when she sat down always lay at her feet. From no
other hands than those of her mistress would she take
food, nor would she allow any one else to fondle her.
The lady kept a number of tame birds; but the cat,
though she would willingly have caught and eaten strange
birds, never injured one of them.
At last the lady fell ill, when nothing could induce the
cat to leave her chamber; and on her death, the attendants
had to carry away the poor animal by force. The next
morning, however, she was found in the room of death,
11 A I F
% .. ,,
I!
- W I, I D OF GRIEF. -
THE CAT WHICH DIED OF GRIEF.
24 THE CAT AND THE CANARY.
creeping slowly about, and mewing piteously. After the
funeral, the faithful cat made her escape from the house,
and was at length discovered stretched out lifeless above
the grave of her mistress, having evidently died of a broken
heart,
The instances I have given-and I might give many
more-prove the strong affection of which cats are capable,
and show that they are well deserving of kind treatment.
When we see them catch birds and mice, we must remenm-
ber that it is their nature to do so, as in their wild state
they have no other means of obtaining food.
THE CAT AND THE CANARY.
ANIMALS of a very different character often form curious
friendships. What do you think of the cat which of her
own accord became the protector of a pet canary, instead of
eating it up ?
The cat and the bird belonged to the mother-in-law of
Mrs. Lee, who has given us many delightful anecdotes of
animals. The canary was allowed to fly about the room
when the cat was shut out; but one day their mistress,
lifting her head from her work, saw that the cat had by
some means got in; and, to her amazement, there was the
canary perched fearlessly on the back of Pussy, who seemed
highly pleased with the confidence placed in her. By the
silent language with which animals communicate their ideas
to each other, she had been able to make the canary under-
stand that she would not hurt it.
THE CAT AND THE FROG. 25
After this, the two were allowed to be constantly to-
gether, to their mutual satisfaction. One morning, how-
ever, as they were in the bed-room of their mistress, what
was her dismay to see the trustworthy cat, as she had
supposed her, after uttering a feline growl, seize the canary
in her mouth, and leap with her into the bed. There she
stood, her tail -.Iri; if .I out, her hair bristling, and her eyes
glaring fiercely. The fate of the poor canary appeared
sealed; but just then the lady caught sight of a strange
cat creeping cautiously through the open doorway. The
intruder was quickly driven away, when faithful Puss
deposited her feathered friend on the bed, in no way in-
jured-she having thus seized it to save it from the fangs
of the stranger.
Confidence begets confidence; but be very sure that the
person on whom you bestow yours is worthy of it. If not,
you will not be as fortunate as the canary was with its
feline friend.
Your truest confidants, in most cases, are your own
parents.
THE CAT AND THE FROG.
I HAVE an instance of a still stranger friendship to men-
tion. The servants of a country-house-and I am sure
that they were kind people-had enticed a frog from its
hole by giving it food. As winter drew on, F. -_.y every
evening made its way to the kitchen hearth before a blaz-
ing fire, which it found much more comfortable than its
own dark abode out in the yard. Another occupant of the
26 THE CAT AND HER DEAD KITTEN.
hearth was a favourite old cat, which at first, I daresay,
looked down on the odd little creature with some contempt,
but was too well bred to disturb an invited guest. At
length, however, the two came to a mutual understanding;
the kind heart of Pussy warming towards poor chilly little
Froggy, whom she now invited to come and nestle under
her cozy fur. From that time I.. ,:-,-.i as soon as F .._ -v
came out of its hole, it hopped fearlessly towards the old
cat, who constituted herself its protector, and would allow
no one to disturb it.
Imitate the kind cat, and be kind to the most humble,
however odd their looks. Sometimes at school and else-
where you may find some friendless little fellow. Prove
his protector. Be not less benevolent than a cat.
THE CAT AND HER DEAD KITTEN.
THAT cats expect those to whom they are attached to
sympathize with them in their sorrow, is shown by an
affecting story told by Dr. Good, the author of the Book
of Nature."
He had a cat which used to sit at his elbow hour after
hour while he was writing, watching his hand moving over
the paper. At length Pussy had a kitten to take care of,
when she became less constant in her attendance on her
master. One morning, however, she entered the room, and
leaping on the table, began to rub her furry side against
his hand and pen, to attract his attention. He, supposing
that she wished to be let out, opened the door; but instead
! j,
47
T C T
;5~--9
T_ A AN ..H.. .-
THE CAT AND THE FROG.
28 THE KITTEN AND TIE CHICKENS.
of running forward, she turned round and looked earnestly
at him, as though she had something to communicate.
Being very busy, he shut the door upon her, and resumed
his writing. In less than an hour, the door having been
opened again, he felt her rubbing against his feet; when, on
looking down, he saw that she had placed close to them the
dead body of her kitten, which had been accidentally killed,
and which she had brought evidently that her kind master
might mourn with her at her loss. She seemed satisfied
when she saw him with the dead kitten in his hand, making
inquiries as to how it had been killed; and when it was
buried, believing that her master shared her sorrow, she
gradually took comfort, and resumed her station at his side.
Observe how, in her sorrow, Pussy went to her best
friend for sympathy. Your best earthly friends are your
parents. Do not hesitate to tell them your griefs; and
you will realize that it is their joy and comfort to sym-
pathize with you in all your troubles, little or great, and to
try to relieve them.
THE KITTEN AND THE CHICKENS.
KITTENS, especially if deprived of their natural protectors,
seem to long for the friendship of other beings, and will
often roam about till they find a person in whom they think
they may confide. Sometimes they make a curious choice.
A kitten born on the roof of an out-house was by an acci-
dent deprived of its mother and brethren. It evaded all
attempts to catch it, though food was put within its reach.
THE KITTEN AND THE CHICKENS. 29
Just below where it lived, a brood of chickens were con-
stantly running about; and at length, growing weary of
solitude, it thought that it would like to have such lively
little playmates. So down it scrambled, and timidly crept
towards them. Finding that they were not likely to do it
harm, it lay down among them. The chickens seemed to
know that it was too young to hurt them.
It now followed them wherever they moved to pick up
their food. In a short time a perfect understanding was
established between the kitten and the fowls, who appeared
especially proud of their new friend. The kitten, discover-
ing this, assumed the post of leader, and used to conduct
them about the grounds, amusing itself at their expense.
Sometimes it would catch hold of their feet, as if going to
bite them, when they would peck at it in return. At
others it would hide behind a bush, and then springing out
into their midst, purr and rub itself against their sides. One
pullet was its especial favourite; it accompanied her every
day to her nest under the boards of an out-house, and would
then lie down outside, as if to watch over her. When she
returned to the other fowls, it would follow, setting up its
tail, and purring at her.
When other chickens were born, it transferred its interest
to them, taking each fresh brood under its protection-the
parent hen appearing in no way alarmed at having so un-
usual a nurse for her young ones.
Be as sensible as the little kitten. Don't stand on your
dignity, or keep upon the roof, in a fit of the sulks; but
jump down, and shake such feelings off with a game of
good-natured play.
30 THE CAT AND THE PIGEON.
THE CAT AND THE PIGEON.
SIMILAR i t..i.ti. L for one of the feathered race was shown
by a cat which was rearing several kittens.
In another part of the loft a pigeon had built her nest;
but her eggs and young having been frequently destroyed
by rats, it seemed to occur to her that she should be in
safer quarters near the cat. Pussy, pleased with the con-
fidence placed in her, invited the pigeon to remain near
her, and a strong friendship was established between the
two. They fed out of the same dish; and when Pussy
was absent, the pigeon, in return for the protection ,t ... I 1
her against the rats, constituted herself the defender of the
kittens-and on any person approaching nearer than she
liked, she would fly out and attack them with beak and
wings, in the hope of driving them away from her young
charges. 'I,..pi. l.!y, too, after this, when neither the
kittens nor her own brood required her care, and the cat
went out about the garden or fields, the pigeon might be
seen fluttering close by her, for the sake of her society.
Help and protect one another in all right things, as did
the cat and the pigeon, whatever your respective ages or
stations in life. The big boy or girl may be able to assist
and protect the little ones, who may render many a service
in return.
"' *'' ^v^^f *- -^
I
,II ,
- . . ,
.- C- A AND T'H-E' ,
THE CAT AND THE PIGEON.
32 THE CAT AND THE LEVERET.
THE CAT AND THE LEVERET.
CATS exhibit their affectionate nature in a variety of ways.
If deprived of their kittens, they have a yearning for the
care of some other young creatures, which they will gratify
when possible.
A cat had been cruelly deprived of all her kittens. Si
was seen going about mewing disconsolately fbr her young
ones. Her owner received about the same time a leveret,
which he hoped to tame by feeding it with a spoon. One
morning, however, the leveret was missing, and as it could
nowhere be discovered, it was supposed to have been car-
ried off and killed by some strange cat or dog. A fortnight
had elapsed, when, as the gentleman was seated in his
garden, in the dusk of the evening, he observed his cat,
with tail erect, trotting towards him, purring and calling
in the way cats do to their kittens. Behind her came,
gambolling merrily, and with perfect confidence, a little
leveret,-the very one, it was now seen, which had dis-
appeared. Pussy, deprived of her kittens, had carried it
off and brought it up instead, bestowing on it the affection
of her maternal heart.
It is your blessed privilege to have hearts to feel the
greatest enjoyment in tender love for others. See that
you keep that love in constant exercise, or, like others of
our best gifts, it may grow dull by disuse or abuse. The
time may come when, deprived of your parents or brothers
and sisters, you will bitterly mourn the sorrow you have
caused by your evil temper or neglect.
THE CAT AND THE PUPPIES. 33
THE CAT AND THE PUPPIES.
I HAVE a longer story than the last to tell, of a cat which
undertook the nursing of some puppies while she already
had some kittens of her own. It happened that her mis-
tress possessed a valuable little black spaniel, which had a
litter of five puppies. As these were too many for the
spaniel to bring up, and the mistress was anxious to have
them all preserved, it was proposed that they should be
brought up by hand. The cook, to whom the proposal
was made, suggested that this would be a difficult under-
taking; but as the cat had lately kittened, some of the
puppies might be given to her to bring up. Two of the
kittens were accordingly taken away, and the same number
of puppies substituted. What Puss thought of the matter
has not transpired, or whether even she discovered the
trick that had been played her; but be that as it may, she
immediately began to bestow the same care on the little
changelings that she had done on her own offspring, and in a
fortnight they were as forward and playful as kittens would
have been, gambolling about, and barking lustily--while
the three puppies nursed by their own mother were whin-
ing and rolling about in the most helpless fashion.
Puss had proved a better nurse than the little spaniel.
She gave them her tail to play with, and kept them always
in motion and amused, so that they ate meat, and were
strong enough to be removed and to take care of them-
selves, long before their brothers and sisters.
On their being taken away from her, their poor nurse
(424) 3
34 THE CAT AND THE PUPPIES.
showed her sorrow, and went prowling about the house,
looking for them in every direction. At length she caught
sight of the spaniel and the three remaining puppies.
Instantly up went her back; her bristles stood erect, and
her eyes glared fiercely at the little dog, which she supposed
had carried off her young charges.
Ho, ho you vile thief, who have ventured to rob me
of my young ones; I have found you at last !" she ex-
claimed-at least, she thought as much, if she did not say
it. The spaniel barked defiance, answering-" They are
my own puppies; you know they are as unlike as possible
to your little, tiresome, frisky mewlings." I tell you I
know them to be mine," cried Puss, spitting and hissing;
"I mean to recover my own." And before the spaniel
knew what was going to happen, Puss sprang forward,
seized one of the puppies, and carried it off to her own bed
in another part of the premises.
Not content with this success, as soon as she had safely
deposited the puppy in her home, she returned to the abode
of the spaniel. This time she simply dashed forward, as if
she had made up her mind what to do, knocked over the
spaniel with her paw, seized another puppy in her mouth,
and carrying it off, placed it alongside the first she had
captured. She was now content. Two puppies she had
lost, two she had obtained. Whether or not she thought
them the same which had been taken from her, it is difficult
to say. At all events, she nursed the two latter with the
same tender care as the first.
Copy playful Pussy, when you have charge of little
children. They enjoy games of romps as much as young
,77
THE CAT AND THE PUPPIES.
36 THE CAT AND THE BURGLARS.
puppies do, and will be far happier, and thrive better, than
when compelled to loll about by themselves, while you sit
at your book or work in silent dignity and indifference to
their requirements, however fond you may be of them-as
was, I daresay, the mother spaniel of her pups.
THE CAT AND THE BURGLARS.
No stronger evidence of the sagacity of the cat is to be
found than an instance narrated to me by my friend, Mrs.
F--, and for which I can vouch.
A lady, Miss P-- who was a governess in her family,
had previously held the same position in that of Lord ,
in Ireland. While there a cat became very strongly attached
to her. Though allowed to enter the school-room and
dining-room, where she was fed and petted, the animal
never came into the lady's bed-room; nor was she, indeed,
accustomed to go into that part of the house at any time.
One night, however, after retiring to rest, MissP-- was
disturbed by the gentle but incessant mewing of the cat at
her bed-room door. At first she was not inclined to pay
attention to the cat's behaviour, but the perseverance of the
animal, and a peculiarity in the tones of her voice, at length
induced her to open the door. The cat, on this, bounded
forward, and circled round her rapidly, looking up in her
face, mewing expressively. Miss P---, thinking that the
cat had only taken a fancy to pay her a visit, refastened the
door, intending to let her remain in the room; but this did
not appear to please Pussy at all. She sprang back to the
THE CAT AND THE BURGLARS. 37
door, mewing more loudly than before; then she came again
to the lady, and then went to the door, as if asking her to
follow.
What is it you want ?" exclaimed Miss P .- "Well,
go away, if you do not wish to stay! and she opened the
door; but the cat, instead of going, recommended running
to and fro between the door and her friend, continuing to
mew as she looked up into her face.
Miss P- 's attention was now attracted by a peculiar
noise, as if proceeding from the outside of one of the win-
dows on the ground-floor. A few moments more con-
vinced her that some persons were attempting to force an
entrance.
Instantly throwing a shawl around her, she hurried along
the passage, the cat gliding by her side, purring now in
evident contentment, to Lord 's bed-room door, where
her knock was quickly answered, and an explanation given.
The household was soon aroused ; bells were rung,
lights flitted about, servants hurried here and there; and
persons watching from the windows distinctly saw several
men making off with all speed, and scrambling over an
adjacent wall.
It was undoubtedly owing to the sagacity of the cat that
the mansion was preserved from midnight robbery, and the
inmates probably from some fearful outrage. She must
have reasoned tli:': the intruders had no business there;
whilst her reason and affection combined induced her to
warn her best friend of the threatened danger. She may
have feared, also, that any one else in the house would have
driven her heedlessly away.
38 THE CAT WHICH RANG THE BELL.
My dear reader, may we not believe that this reasoning
power was given to the dumb animal for the protection of
the family against evil-doers ? I might give you many
instances of beneficent purposes being carried out by
equally simple and apparently humble agencies.
Let us, then, learn always to treat dumb animals with
kindness and consideration, since they are so often given
to us as companions for our benefit. Like the cat, you
may by vigilance be of essential service to others more
powerful than yourself. For the same reason, never despise
the good-will or warnings of even the most humble.
THE CAT WHICH RANG THE BELL.
I HAVE heard of another cat, who, had she lived in Lord
's house when attacked by robbers, might very
speedily have aroused the family.
This cat, however, lived in a nunnery in France. She
had observed that when a certain bell was rung, all the
inmates assembled for their meals, when she also received
her food.
One day she was shut up in a room by herself when she
heard the bell ring. In vain she attempted to get out;
she could not open the door, the window was too high to
reach. At length, after some hours' imprisonment, the door
was opened. Off she hurried to the place where she ex-
pected to find her dinner, but none was there. She was
very hungry, and hunger is said to sharpen the wits. She
knew where the rope hung which pulled the bell in the
I
'* A
'I
THE CAT WHICH RANG THE BELL,
40 THE AFFECTIONATE CAT THAT COULD MEASURE TIME.
belfry. Now, when that bell rings I generally get my
supper," she thought, as she ran towards the rope. It
hung down temptingly within her reach-a good thick
rope. She sprang upon it. It gave a pleasant tinkle. She
jerked harder and harder, and the bell rang louder and
louder. Now I shall get my supper, though I have lost
my dinner," she thought as she pulled away.
The nuns hearing the bell ring at so unusual an hour,
came hurrying into the belfry, wondering what was the
matter, when what was their surprise to see the cat turned
bell-ringer! They puzzled their heads for some time, till
the lay sister who generally gave the cat her meals recol-
lected that she had not been present at dinner-time; and
thus the mystery was solved, and Pussy rewarded for her
exertions by having her supper brought to her without
delay.
Instead of sitting down and crying when in a difficulty,
think, like sensible Pussy, of the best way to get out of it.
In lieu of wringing your hands, RING THE BELL.
THE AFFECTIONATE CAT THAT COULD MEASURE
TIME.
THE last story reminds me of Mrs. F- 's account of the
cat and the knocker. That same intelligent little cat was
also one of the most affectionate of her race. Her young
mistress used to go to school for a few hours daily in the
neighboring town. Pussy would every morning sally
forth with her, and bound along beside her pony as far as
THE CAT AND THE PRISONER. 41
the gate, then going quietly back to the house. Regularly,
however, at the time the little girl was expected to return,
the faithful pet might be seen watching about the door;
and if Missy were delayed longer than usual, would extend
her walk to the gate, there awaiting her approach, and
evincing her delight by joyful gambols as soon as she de-
scried her coming along the road. Pussy would then hurry
back to the house-door, that she might give notice of her
young mistress's return, and the moment she alighted would
welcome her with happy purrings and caresses.
Endeavour to be as regular in all your ways as my
friend's cat. Never keep your friends waiting for you, but
rather wait for them. Show your affection and wish to
please in this as in other ways. Thank Pussy for the
excellent example she has set you.
-- ~E~
THE CAT AND THE PRISONER.
WHILE speaking of the affection of cats, I must not forget
to mention a notable example of it shown by the favourite
cat of a young nobleman in the days of Queen Elizabeth.
For some political offence he had been shut up in prison,
and had long pined in solitude, when he was startled by
hearing a slight noise in the chimney. On looking up,
great was his surprise and delight to see his favourite cat
bound over the hearth towards him, purring joyfully at the
meeting. She had probably been shut up for some time
before she had made her escape, and then she must have
sought her master, traversing miles of steep and slippery
42 THE CAT AND THE HAWK.
roofs, along dangerous parapets, and through forests of
chimney-stacks, urged on by the strength of her attach-
ment, and guided by a mysterious instinct, till she dis-
covered the funnel which led into his prison chamber.
Certainly it was not by chance she made the discovery,
nor was it exactly reason that conducted her to the spot.
By whatever means she found it, we must regard the affec-
tionate little creature as the very Blondel of cats."
Never spare trouble or exertion to serve a friend, or to
please those you are bound to please. Remember the pri-
soner's cat.
THE CAT AND THE HAWK.
CATS often show great courage, especially in defence of their
young.
A cat had led her kittens out into the sunshine, and
while they were frisking around her they were espied by a
hawk soaring overhead. Down pounced the bird of prey
and seized one in his talons. Encumbered by the weight
of the fat little creature, he was unable to rise again before
the mother cat had discovered what had occurred. With a
bound she fiercely attacked the marauder, and compelled
him to drop her kitten in order to defend himself. A
regular combat now commenced, the hawk fighting with
beak and talons, and rising occasionally on his wings. It
seemed likely that he would thus gain the victory ; still
more when he struck his sharp beak into one of Pussy's
eyes, while he tore her ears into shreds with his talons.
At length, however, she managed what had been from the
THE CAT AND THE HAWK.
44 THE BENEVOLENT CAT.
first her aim--to break one of her adversary's wings. She
now sprang on him with renewed fury, and seizing him by
the neck, quickly tore off his head. This done, regardless
of her own sufferings, she began to lick the bleeding wounds
of her kitten, and then, calling to its brothers and sisters,
she carried it back to their secure home.
You will find many hawks with which you must do
battle. The fiercest and most dangerous are those you must
encounter every day. Huge dark-winged birds of prey-
passionate temper, hatred, discontent, jealousy;-an ugly
list, I will not go on with it. Fight against them as bravely
as Pussy fought with the hawk which tried to carry off her
kitten.
THE BENEVOLENT CAT.
THAT we must attribute to cats the estimable virtue of
benevolence, Mrs. F-- gives me two anecdotes to prove.
A lady in the south of Ireland having lost a pet cat,
and searched for it in vain, after four days was delighted
to hear that it had returned. Hastening to welcome the
truant with a wassail-bowl of warm milk in the kitchen,
she observed another cat skulking with the timidity of an
uninvited guest in an obscure corner. The pet cat received
the caresses of its mistress with its usual pleasure, but,
though it circled round the bowl of milk with grateful pur-
rings, it declined to drink, going up to the stranger instead,
whom, with varied mewings, "like man's own speech," it
prevailed on to quit the shadowy background and approach
the tempting food. At length both came up to the bowl,
THE CAT AND HER MANY GUESTS. 45
when the thirsty stranger feasted to its full satisfaction,
while the cat of the house stood by in evident satisfaction
watching its guest; and not until it would take no more
could the host be persuaded to wet its whiskers in the
tempting beverage.
Ever think of others before yourself. Attend first to
their wants. Do not be outdone in true courtesy by a cat.
THE CAT AND HER MANY GUESTS.
MRS. F- vouches for the following account, showing the
hospitable disposition of cats. It was given to her by a
clergyman, who had it direct from a friend.
A gentleman in Australia had a pet cat to which he daily
gave a plate of viands with his own hands. The allowance
was liberal, and there was always a remainder; but after
some time the gentleman perceived that another cat came
to share the repast. Finding that this occurred for several
consecutive days, he increased the allowance. It was then
found to be too much for tw ; there was again a residue
for several days, when a third cat was brought in to share
the feast. Amused at this proceeding, the gentleman now
began to experiment, and again increased the daily dole of
food. A fourth guest now appeared; and he continued
adding gradually to the allowance of viands, and found
that the number of feline guests also progressively in-
creased, until about thirty were assembled; after which
no further additions took place, so that he concluded that
all those who lived within visiting distcace were included :
46 THE DISHONEST CAT.
indeed, the wonder was that so many could assemble, as the
district he lived in was far from populous.
The stranger cats always decorously departed after dinner
was over, leaving their hospitable entertainer, no doubt, with
such grateful demonstrations as might be dictated by the
feline code of etiquette.
Ask yourselves if you are always as anxious as was the
Australian cat to invite your companions to enjoy with
you the good things you have given you by kind friends.
Ah! what an important lesson we may learn from this
anecdote: always to think of others before ourselves. When
young friends visit you, do you try your utmost to enter-
tain them, thinking of their comfort before your own ?
Such is the lesson taught us by this cat, which gathered
others of her kind to share the bounties provided by her
kind master.
THE DISHONEST CAT.
I AM sorry to say that cats are not always so amiable as
those I have described, but will occasionally play all sorts
of tricks, like some dishonest boys and girls, to obtain what
they want.
An Angora cat, which lived in a large establishment in
France, had discovered that when a certain bell rang the
cook always left the kitchen. Numerous niceties were
scattered about, some on the tables and dressers, others
before the fire. Pussy crept towards them, and tasted
them; they exactly suited her palate. When she heard
the cook's step returning, off she ran to a corner and pre-
I I
''
I I-
_--%r. 't Z,-tf -'
I~
THE DISHONES AT.
"-"; -"^! ,- -."i- ,-^ '-\-- -
THE DISHONEST CAT
48 PUSSY AND THE CREAM-JUG.
tended to be sleeping soundly. How she longed that the
.bell would ring again !
At last, like another cat I have mentioned, she thought
that she would try to ring it herself, and get cook out of
the way; she could resist her longing for those sweet
creams no longer. Off she crept, jumped ap at the bell-
rope, and succeeded in sounding the bell. Away hurried
cook to answer it. The coast was now clear, and Pussy
revelled in the delicacies left unguarded-being out of the
kitchen, or apparently asleep in her corner, before cook
returned.
This trick continued to answer Pussy's object for some
time, the cook wondering what had become of her tarts and
creams, till a watch was wisely set to discover the thief,
when the dishonest though sagacious cat was seen to pull
the bell, and then, when cook went out, to steal into the
kitchen and feast at her leisure.
There is a proverb--which pray condemn as a bad one,
because the motive offered is wrong-that "honesty is the
best policy." Rather say, Be honest because it is right."
Pussy, with her manoeuvres to steal the creams, thought
herself very clever, but she was found out.
PUSSY AND THE CREAM-JUG.
I MUST now tell you of another cat which was a sad thief,
and showed a considerable amount of sagacity in obtaining
what she wanted. One day she found a cream-jug on the
I
i !' !
PUSSY AND THE CREAM-JUG.
(424) 4
I.
50 THE REVENGEFUL CAT.
'.'riI -t-table, full of cream. It was tall, and had a
narrow mouth. She longed for the nice rich contents,
but could not reach the cream even with her tongue; if
she upset the jug, her theft would be discovered. At last
she thought to herself, "I may put in my paw, though I
cannot get in my head, and some of that nice stuff will
stick to it."
She made the experiment, and found it answer. Licking
her paw as often as she drew it out, she soon emptied the
jug, so that when the family came down they had no cream
for breakfast. A few drops on the table-cloth, however,
showed how it had been stolen-Pussy, like human beings
who commit dishonest actions, not being quite so clever as
she probably thought herself.
THE REVENGEFUL CAT.
CATS often show that they possess some of the vices as well
as some of the virtues of human beings. The tom-cat is
frequently fierce, treacherous, and vindictive, and at no
time can his humour be crossed with impunity. Mrs.
F- mentions several instances of this.
A person she knew in the south of Ireland had severely
chastised his cat for some misdemeanor, when the creature
immediately ran off and could not be found. Some days
afterwards, as this person was going from home, what
should he see in the centre of a narrow path between walls
but his cat, with its back up, its eyeballs glaring, and a
wicked expression in its countenance. Expecting to frighten
"THE REVENGEFUL CAT. 51
off the creature, he slashed at it with his handkerchief,
when it sprang at him with a fierce hiss, and, seizing his
hand in its mouth, held on so tightly that he was unable
to beat it off He hastened home, nearly fainting with the
agony he endured, and not till the creature's body was cut
from the head could the mangled hand be extricated.
An Irish gentleman had an only son, quite a little boy,
who, being without playmates, was allowed to have a
number of cats sleeping in his room. One day the boy
beat the father of the family for some offence, and when he
was asleep at night the revengeful beast seized him by the
throat, and might have killed him had not instant help been
at hand. The cat sprang from the window and was no
more seen.
If you are always gentle and kind, you will never arouse
anger or revenge. It may be aroused in the breast of the
most harmless-looking creatures and the most contemptible.
Your motive, however, for acting gently and lovingly should
be, not fear of the consequences of a contrary behaviour,
but that the former is right.
t, ,,.
CHAPTER II.
'.'i'E now come to the noble Dog, indued by the
Creator with qualities which especially fit him
S-'- to be the companion of man. Such he is in
S'all parts of the world; and although wild dogs
exist, they appear, like savage human beings,
to have retrograded from a state of civilization. The
mongrels and curs, too, have evidently deteriorated, and lost
the characteristic traits of their nobler ancestors.
What staunch fidelity, what affection, what courage,
what devotion and generosity does the dog exhibit! Judged
by the anecdotes I am about to narrate of him-a few only
of the numberless instances recorded of his wonderful powers
of mind-he must, I think, be considered the most sagacious
of all animals, the mighty elephant not excepted.
THE DOG ROSSWELL.
I WILL begin with some anecdotes which I am myself able
to authenticate.
THE DOG ROSSWELL. 53
Foremost must stand the noble Rosswell, who belonged
to some connections of mine. He was of great size-a
giant of the canine race-of a brown and white colour, one
of his parents having seen the light in the frozen regions of
Greenland, among the Esquimaux.
Rosswell, though a great favourite, being too large to be
fed in the house, had his breakfast, consisting of porridge,
in a large wooden bowl with a handle, sent out to him
every morning, and placed close to a circular shrubbery
before the house. Directly it arrived, he would cautiously
put his nose to the bowl, and if, as was generally the case,
the contents were too hot for his taste, he would take it up
by the handle and walk with it round the shrubbery at a
dignified pace, putting it down again at the same spot. He
would then try the porridge once more, and if it were still
too hot he would again take up the bowl and walk round
and round as before, till he was satisfied that the super-
abundant caloric had been dissipated, when, putting it down,
he would leisurely partake of his meal.
Everything he did was in the same methodical, civilized
fashion. One of the ladies of the family had dropped a
valuable bracelet during a walk. In the evening Ross-
well entered the house and proceeded straight up to her
with his mouth firmly closed. What have you got there?"
she asked, when he at once opened his huge mouth and
revealed the missing bracelet.
The same lady was fond of birds, and had several young
ones brought to her from time to time to tame. Rosswell
must have observed this. One day he appeared again with
his mouth closed, and 6ame up to her. On opening his
54 THE DOG ROSSWELL.
jaws, which he allowed her to do, what was her surprise to
see within them a little bird, perfectly unhurt! After this
he very frequently brought her birds in his mouth, which
he had caught without in any way injuring them.
He had another strange fancy. It was to catch hedge-
hogs; but, instead of killing them, he invariably brought
them into the house and placed them before the kitchen fire
---. i...-ii-.- apparently, that they enjoyed its warmth.
With two of the ladies of the family he was a great
favourite, and used to romp with them to his heart's con-
tent. The youngest, however, being of a timid disposition,
could never get over a certain amount of terror with which
his first appearance had inspired her.
At length Rosswell disappeared. Although inquiries were
everywhere made for him he could not be found. It was
suspected that he had been stolen, with the connivance of
one of the domestics, who owed him a grudge. Weeks
passed away, and all hope of recovering Rosswell had been
abandoned, when one day he rushed into the house, looking
lean and gaunt, with a broken piece of rope hanging to his
neck, showing that he had been kept in durance vile," and
had only just broken his bonds. The two elder sisters he
greeted with the most exuberant marks of affection, leaping
up and trying to lick their faces; but directly the youngest
appeared he slowly crept forward, lay down at her feet,
w i-- -in _- his tail, and glancing up at her countenance with
an unmistakably gentle look.
Rosswell, not without provocation, had taken a dislike
to a little dog belonging to Captain --; and at last,
having been annoyed beyond endurance, he gave the small
THE DOG ROSSWELL. 55
cur a bite which sent it yelping away. Captain was
passing at the time, and, angry at the treatment his dog
had received, declared that he would shoot Rosswell if it
ever happened again. Knowing that Captain would
certainly fulfil his threat, the elder lady, who was of deter-
mined character, and instigated by regard for Rosswell, called
the dog to her, and began belabouring him with a stout
stick, pronouncing the name of the little dog all the time.
Rosswell received the castigation with the utmost humility ;
and from that day forward avoided the little dog, never
retaliating when annoyed, and hanging down his head
when its name was mentioned.
Rosswell had a remarkable liking for sugar-plunis, and
would at all times prefer a handful to a piece of meat. If,
however, a pile of them were placed between his paws, and
he was told that they were for baby, he would not touch
them, but watch with vw -.;z tail while the little fellow
picked them up. He might probably have objected had
any one else attempted to take them away.
Gallant Rosswell--he fell a victim at length to the
wicked hatred of his old enemy the cook, who mixed poison
with his food, which destroyed his life.
Rosswell's mistresses mourned for him, as I daresay you
will ; but they did not seek to punish the wicked woman
as she deserved.
What a noble fellow he was, how submissive under
castigation, how gentle when he saw that his boisterous
behaviour frightened his youngest mistress, how obedient to
command, how strict in the performance of his duty! And
what self-restraint did he exercise! Think of him with
56 TYROL, THE DOG WHICH RANG THE BELL.
baby's sugar-plums between his paws-not one would
he touch.
My reader, let me ask you one question: Are you as
firm in resisting temptation as was gallant Rosswell? He
acted rightly through instinct; but you have the power
to discern between good and evil, aided by the counsels
of your kind friends. Do not shame the teaching of your
parents by acting in any manner unworthy of yourself.
TYROL, THE DOG WHICH RANG THE BELL.
I HAVE told you of several cats which rang bells. Another
connection of mine, living in the Highlands, had a dog called
Tyrol. He had been taught to do all sorts of things.
Among others, to fetch his master's slippers at bed-time;
and when told that fresh peat was required for the fire,
away he would go to the peat-basket and bring piece after
piece, till a sufficient quantity had been piled up.
He had also learned to pull the bell-rope to summon the
servant. This he could easily accomplish at his own home,
where the rope was sufficiently long for him to reach ; but
on one occasion he accompanied his master on a visit to a
friend's house, where he was desired to exhibit his various
accomplishments. When told to ring the bell, he made
several attempts in vain. The end of the rope was too
high up for him to reach. At length, what was the surprise
of all present to see him seize a chair by the leg, and pull it
up to the wall, when, jumping up, he gave the rope a
hearty tug, evidently very much to his own satisfaction.
THE SHEPHERD'S DOG AND THE LOST CHILD. 57
You will generally find that, difficult as a task may seem,
if you seek for the right means you may accomplish it.
Drag the chair up to the bell-rope whjch you cannot other-
wise reach.
THE SHEPHERD'S DOG AND THE LOST CHILD.
I AM sorry that I ,do not know the name of a certain shep-
herd's dog, but which deserves to be recorded in letters of
gold.
His master, who had charge of a flock which fed among
the Grampian Hills, set out from home one day accompanied
by his little boy, scarcely more than four years old. The
children of Scottish shepherds begin learning their future
duties at an early age. The day, bright at first, passed on,
when a thick mist began to rise, shrouding the surrounding
country. The shepherd, seeing this, hurried onward to collect
his scattered flock, calling his dog to his assistance, and
leaving his little boy at a spot where he believed that he
should easily find him again. The fog grew thicker and
thicker; and so far had the flock rambled, that some
time passed before they could be collected together.
On his return to look for his child, the darkness had
increased so much that he could not discover him. The
anxious father wandered on, calling on his child-but no
answer came; his dog, too, had disappeared. He had
himself lost his way. At length the moon rose, when he
discovered that he was not far from his own cottage.
He hastened towards it, hoping that the child had reached
it before him; but the little boy had not appeared, nor
58 THE SHEPHERD'S DOG AND THE LOST CHILD.
had the dog been seen. The agony of the parents can be
better imagined than described. No torches were to be
procured, and the shepherd had to wait till daylight
ere he could set out with a companion or two to assist
him in his search. All day he searched in vain. On
his return, sick at heart, at nightfall, he heard that his
dog had appeared during the day, received his accus-
tomed meal of a bannock, and then scampered off at full
speed across the moor, being out of sight before any one
could follow him.
All night long the father waited, expecting the dog
to return; but the animal not :''l" *.'_. he again, as
soon as it was daylight, set off on his search. During his
absence, the dog hurried up to the cottage, as on the
previous day, and went off again immediately he had re-
ceived his bannock.
At last, after this had occurred on two more succes-
sive days, the shepherd resolved to remain at home till his
dog should appear, and then to follow him.
The sagacious animal appearing as before, at once under-
stood his master's purpose, and instead of scampering off at
full speed, kept in sight as he led the way across the
moor. It was then seen that he held in his mouth the
larger portion of the cake which had been given him. The
dog conducted the shepherd to a cataract which fell roaring
and foaming amid rocks into a ravine far down below. De-
scending an almost perpendicular cliff, the dog entered a
cavern, close in front of which the seething torrent passed.
The shepherd with great difficulty made his way to it,
when, as he reached the entrance, he saw his child, unhurt,
*' 5 \
'.. ; f--. '" ..'. ^ ,-: ,"^
f
,^ :,-
i -
THE SHEPHERD'S DOG AND THE LOST CHILD.
60 MY DOG ALP.
seated on the ground eating the cake brought by the dog, who
stood watching his young charge thus occupied, with a proud
consciousness of the important duty he had undertaken.
The father, embracing his child, carried him up the steep
ascent, down which it appeared he had scrambled in the
dark, happily reaching the cave. This he had been afraid
to quit on account of the torrent; and here the dog by
his scent had traced him, remaining with him night and
day, till, conscious that food was as necessary for the child
as for himself, he had gone home to procure him some of
his own allowance.
Thus the faithful animal had, by a wonderful exercise of
his reasoning power, preserved the child's life.
MY DOG ALP.
A DEAR friend gave me, many years ago, a rough, white
terrier puppy, which I called Alp. I fed him with my
own hand from the first, and he consequently evinced
the warmest attachment to me. No animal could be more
obedient ; and he seemed to watch my every look to ascer-
tain what I wished him to do.
The expression of his countenance showed his intelli-
gence; and whenever I talked to him he seemed to be
making the most strenuous efforts to reply, twisting about
his lips in a fashion which often made me burst into a
fit of laughter, when he would give a curious bark of de-
light, as much as to say,-" Ay, I can utter as meaning
a sound as that."
MY DOG ALP. 61
I felt very sure that no burglar would venture into the
house while he was on the watch.
I never beat him in his life; but once I pretended to
do so, with a hollow reed which happened to be in the
room, on his persisting, contrary to my orders, in lying
down on the rug before the fire whenever my back was
turned. As I was about to leave the room, I placed the
reed on the rug, and admonished him to be careful. On
my return, some time afterwards, I found the reed torn
up into the most minute shreds. On looking round,
I saw Alp in the furthest corner of the room, twisting his
mouth, wriggling about, and wagging his tail, while every
now and then he turned furtive glances towards the rug,
telling me as plainly as if he could speak,-" I could not
resist the temptation-I did it, I own-but don't be angry
with me. You see I have now got as far away from the
rug as I could be." Alp, seeing me laugh, rushed from his
corner to lick my hand. He ever afterwards, however,
avoided the rug.
For his size, he was the best swimmer and diver among
dogs I ever saw. He would, without hesitation, plunge
into water six or eight feet deep, and bring up a stone from
the bottom almost as big as his head, or dash forth from
the sea-beach and boldly breast the foaming billows of the
Atlantic.
After seeing what Alp did do, and feeling sure of what he
could have done had circumstances called forth his powers,
I am ready to believe the accounts I have heard of the
wonderful performances of others of his race.
A young Newfoundland dog, living in Glasgow a few
62 THE DOG AND THE THIEF.
years ago, acted, under similar circumstances, very much as
Alp did. As he sometimes misbehaved himself, a whip was
kept near him, which was occasionally applied to his back.
He naturally took a dislike to this article, and more than
once was found with it in his mouth, moving slyly towards
the door.
Being shut up at night in the house to watch it, he in
his rounds discovered the detested instrument of punish-
ment. To get rid of it, he attempted to thrust it under
the door. It stuck fast, however, by the thick end. A
few nights afterwards he again got hold of the whip, and
persevered till he shoved through the thick end, when
some one passing by carried it off. On being questioned as
to what had become of the whip, he betrayed his guilt by
his looks, and slunk away with his tail between his legs.
THE DOG AND THE THIEF.
A GENTLEMAN who lived near Stirling, possessed a power-
ful mastiff. One evening, as he was going his rounds
through the grounds, he observed a man with a sack
on his back suspiciously proceeding towards the orchard.
The dog followed, crouching down while the man filled
his sack with apples. The dog waited till the thief
had thrown the heavy sack over his shoulders, holding on
to the mouth with both hands. When the man was thus
unable to defend himself, the dog rushed forward and stood
in front of him, barking loudly for assistance, and leaving
him the option of dropping his plunder and fighting for
THE CLEANLY DOG.--MASTER ROUGH. 63
life and liberty, or of being captured. Paralyzed with
fear, he stood still, till the servants coming from the house
made him prisoner.
Be calm and cool in the face of a foe-remonstrate with
a wrong-doer-fly from tempters ; but you cannot be too
eager and violent in attacking temptation immediately it
presents itself.
THE CLEANLY DOG.
A FRIEND told me of another dog, which had been
taught habits of cleanliness that some young gentlemen,
accustomed to enter the drawing-room with dirty shoes,
might advantageously imitate. A shallow tub of water
was placed in the hall, near the front door. Whenever
this well-behaved dog came into the house, if the roads
were muddy from rain, or dusty from dry weather, he used
to run to the tub and wash his feet-drying them, it is to
be presumed, on the door-mat-before venturing into any of
the sitting-rooms to which he had admission.
MASTER ROUGH.
HAVING mentioned this cleanly dog, I must next introduce
to you a canine friend, called Master Rough, belonging
to my kind next-door neighbours; and I think you will
acknowledge that he surpasses the other in the propriety
of his behaviour.
Master Rough is very small, and his name describes his
64 MASTER ROUGH.
appearance. As I hear his voice, I might suppose him to
be somewhat ill-natured, did I not know that his bark is
worse than his bite. He is only indignant at being told
by his mistress to do something he dislikes; but he does
it notwithstanding, though he has, it must be confessed, a
will of his own, like some young folks. He does not often
soil his dainty feet by going out into the muddy road ; but
when he does, on his return he carefully wipes them on the
door-mat.
At meal-times he goes to a cupboard, in which is kept a
bowl and napkin for his especial use. The napkin he first
spreads on the carpet, and then placing the bowl in the
centre, barks to give notice that his table is ready. After
this, he sits down and waits patiently till his dinner is put
into the bowl, on which he falls to and gobbles it up,--the
table-cloth preventing any of the bits which tumble over
from soiling the carpet. It has been asserted that he wipes
his mouth afterwards in the napkin ; but I suspect that he
is merely picking up the bits outside. I am sorry to say
that he forgets to fold up his table-cloth neatly and to put
it away, which he certainly should do; nor can he be per-
suaded to wash out his bowl, though he does not object to
lick it clean. People and dogs, however, have different
ways of doing things, and Master Rough chooses to follow
his way, and is perfectly satisfied with himself-like some
young folks, who may not, however, be right for all that.
His principal other accomplishment is to carry up the
newspaper, after it has been read by the gentleman down-
stairs, to his mistress in the drawing-room, when he re-
ceives a cake as his reward. He also may be seen carrying
BYRON, THE NEWFOUNDLAND DOG. 65
a basket after his mistress, with a biscuit in it, which he
knows will be his in due time ; but that if be misbehaves
himself by gobbling it greedily up-as he has sometimes
done, I hear-he will have to carry the basket without
the biscuit ; so having learned wisdom from experience, he
now patiently waits till it is given to him.
If Master Rough is not so clever as some dogs I have to
tell you about, he does his best in most respects; and I am
very sure that no thief would venture to break into the
house in which he keeps watch: so that he makes himself
-what all boys and girls should strive to be-very useful.
BYRON, THE NEWFOUNDLAND DOG.
NEXT on my list of canine favourites stands a noble New-
foundland dog named Byron, which belonged to the father
of my friend, Mrs. F- On one occasion he accom-
panied the family to Dawlish, on the coast of Devonshire.
His kennel was at the back of the house. Whenever his
master was going out, the servant loosened Byron, who im-
mediately ran round, never entering the house, and joined
him, accompanying him in his walk.
One day, after getting some way from home, his master
found that he had forgotten his walking-stick. He showed
the dog his empty hands, and pointed towards the house.
Byron, instantly comprehending what was wanted, set off,
and made his way into the house by the front door, through
which he had never before passed. In the hall was a hat-
stand with several walking-sticks in it. Byron, in his eager-
(424) 5
66 BYRON, THE NEWFOUNDLAND DOG.
ness, seized the first he could reach, and carried it joyfully
to his master. It was not the right one, however. Mr.
Son this patted him on the head, gave him back the
stick, and again pointed towards the house. The dog,
apparently considering for a few moments what mistake he
could have made, ran home again, and exchanged the stick
for the one his master usually carried. After this, he had
the walking-stick given him to carry, an office of which he
seemed very proud.
One day while thus employed, following his master with
stately gravity, he was annoyed during the whole time by
a little yelping cur jumping up at his ears. Byron shook
his head, and growled a little from time to time, but took no
further notice, and never ..rt. t I1 to lay down the stick to
punish the offender.
On reaching the beach, Mr. threw the stick into
the waves for the dog to bring it out. Then, to the amuse-
ment of a crowd of bystanders, Byron, seizing his trouble-
some and pertinacious tormentor by the back of the neck,
plunged with him into the foaming water, where hle ducked
him well several times, and then allowed him to find his
way out as best he could ; while he himself, mindful of his
duty, swam onward in search of the now somewhat distant
walking-stick, which he brought to his master's feet with
his usual calm demeanour. The little cur never again
troubled him.
Be not less magnanimous than Byron, when troublesome
boys try to annoy you whilst you are performing your
duties; but employ gentle words instead of duckings to
silence them. Drown the yelping curs-bad thoughts, un-
THE NEWFOUNDLAND DOG AND THE MARKED SHILLING. 67
amiable tempers, temptations, and such like-which assault
you from within.
THE NEWFOUNDLAND DOG AND THE MARKED
SHILLING.
I MUST now tell you a story which many believe, but
which others consider "too good to be true."
A gentleman who owned a fine Newfoundland dog, of
which he was very proud, was one warm summer's evening
riding out with a friend, when he asserted that his dog would
find and bring to him any article he might leave behind
him. Accordingly it was agreed that a shilling should
be marked and placed under a stone, and that after they
had proceeded three or four miles on their road, the
dog should be sent back for it. This was done-the ,..
which was with them, observing them place the coin under
the stone, a somewhat heavy one. They then rode for-
ward the distance proposed, when the dog was despatched
by his master for the shilling. He seemed fully to under-
stand what was required of him; and the two gentlemen
reached home, expecting the dog to follow immediately.
They waited, however, in vain. The dog did not make his
appearance, and they began to fear that some accident had
happened to the animal.
The faithful dog was, however, obedient to his master's
orders. On reaching the stone he found it too heavy to
lift, and while scraping and working away, barking every
now and then in his eagerness, two horsemen came by.
Observing the dog thus employed, one of them dismounted
68 THE NEWFOUNDLAND DOG AND THE MARKED SHILLING.
and turned over the stone, fancying that some creature had
taken refuge beneath it. As he did so, his eye fell on the
coin, which-not suspecting that it was the object sought for
-he put into his breeches pocket before the animal could
get hold of it. Still wondering what the dog wanted, he
remounted his steed, and with his companion rode rapidly
on to an inn nearly twenty miles off, where they purposed
passing the night.
The dog, which had caught sight of the shilling as it was
transferred to the stranger's pocket, followed them closely,
and watched the sleeping-room into which they were shown.
He must have observed them take off their clothes, and seen
the man who had taken possession of the shilling hang his
breeches over the back of a chair. Waiting till the travellers
were wrapped in slumber, he seized the garment in his mouth
-being unable to abstract the shilling-and bounded out
of the window, nor stopped till he reached his home. His
master was awakened early in the morning by hearing the
dog barking and scratching at his door. He was greatly
surprised to find what he had brought, and more so to
discover not only the marked shilling, but a watch and
purse besides. As he had no wish that his dog should act
the thief, or that he himself should become the receiver of
stolen goods, he advertised the articles which had been
carried off; and after some time the owner appeared, when
all that had occurred was explained.
The only way to account for the dog not at first seizing
the shilling is, that grateful for the assistance afforded him
in removing the stone, he supposed that the stranger was
about to give him the coin, and that he only discovered his
h
i T E A O A M S
THE NEWFOUNDLAND DOG AND THE MARKED SHILLING
70 THE LOST KEYS.
mistake when it was too late. His natural gentleness and
generosity may have prevented him from attacking the
man and trying to obtain it by force.
Patiently and perseveringly follow up the line of duty
which has been set you. When I see a boy studying hard
at his lessons, or doing his duty in any other way, I can
say, "Ah, he is searching for the marked shilling; and I
am sure he will find it."
THE LOST KEYS.
MANY species of dogs appear, like the last mentioned, to be
especially indued with the faculty of distinguishing their
master's property, and to possess the desire of restoring it
to them when lost.
Mrs. F--- told me of an instance of this with which
she was acquainted. A gentleman residing in the county
of Cork, finding his out-houses infested by rats, sent for
four small terriers to extirpate them. He amused ],ii ..i.-l
with teaching the dogs a variety of canine accomplish-
ments,-among others, to fetch and carry whatever he
sent them for.
Returning one day from his daily walk, he discovered
that a bunch of keys which he supposed was in his pocket
was not there. Hoping that he might have left them at
home, he made diligent search everywhere, but in vain.
One of the little terriers had observed his master thus
searching about, and there can be no doubt that, after
pondering the matter in his mind, he came to the con-
"THE DOG WHICH ACTED AS CONSTABLE. 71
elusion that something was lost. Be that as it may, off
he set by himself from the house, and after the lapse of
some hours up he came running with eager delight, the
lost keys dangling from his mouth, and jingling loudly as
he gambolled about in his happiness. He then dropped
them at his master's feet.
We may be sure that the dog was well caressed, and be-
came from thenceforward the prime favourite.
That terrier was a little dog, but still he was of much
use, not only by killing rats, which was his regular duty,
but by trying to find out what his master wanted to have
done, and doing it.
Little boys and girls may be of still greater use, if they
will both perform their regular duties, and try to find out
what there is to be done, and then, like the terrier, do it.
THE DOG WHICH ACTED AS CONSTABLE.
MRs. F--- told me another anecdote, which illustrates the
fidelity and reasoning power so frequently exhibited by the
shepherd's dog.
About the year 1827, her father sold some lambs to a
butcher in Melrose, who took them away in his cart. Their
shepherd had a young dog in training at the time. Shortly
after the sale of the lambs he missed this dog, and hastened
in search of him.
On reaching the chain bridge which is thrown over the
river for the use of foot-passengers, he was told that the
dog had been seen standing on it watching the butcher's
72 THE LOST CHILD RECOVERED.
cart containing the lambs, which was crossing the ford
beneath. As soon as it had gained the other bank the
dog followed it to Melrose. The shepherd pursued the
supposed truant till he reached the town, where in front of
the butcher's shop stood the cart with the lambs still in it,
and the dog standing like a constable by it, threatening
every one who approached to unload it.
He had evidently considered that the animals were
stolen, and that it was his duty to keep watch over them.
When, however, his master appeared, and called him away,
he seemed at once to understand that all was right, and
followed him willingly.
Be watchful over whatever is committed to your charge,
and be equally watchful over yourself.
THE LOST CHILD RECOVERED.
IN the backwoods of North America lived a settler
and his family, far away from towns and villages. The
children of such families at an early age learn to take
care of themselves, and fearlessly wander to a distance
from home to gather wild fruits, to fish in the streams,
or to search for maple-trees from which to extract sugar
in the autumn.
One evening the rest of the boys and girls had come in
from their various occupations, except the youngest, a little
fellow of four or five years old. One of his brothers
thought he had gone with Silas, and Silas fancied that he
was with James and Mary, but neither of them till then
I #
i LOST I RECOVER'E
THE LOST CHILD RECOVERED.
74 THE LOST CHILD RECOVERED.
had missed him. The whole family, thrown into a state
of consternation, hurried out with torches, for it was now
getting dark, and shouted for him, and searched round
and round the clearing far and wide, but he was nowhere
to be found. I need not describe their feelings. The
next morning they set forth again, searching still further.
All day they were so employed, but in vain. They began
to fear that poor little Marcus had been killed by a
rattlesnake, or that a bear had come and carried him off
The next night was a sorrowful one for all the family.
Once more they were preparing to set out, when a tall,
copper-coloured Indian, habited in a dress of skins, was
seen coming through the forest, followed by a magnificent
blood-hound. He approached the settlers and inquired
what was the matter. They told him, when he desired
to see the socks and shoes last worn by the child. They
were eagerly produced by the mother. The Indian showed
them to his dog, at the same time patting him on the head.
The animal evidently comprehended what his master re-
quired, and scenting about for a short time, began to bay
loudly, then set off, without turning to the right or to the
left, through the forest, followed by the Indian and the
child's father and elder brothers. He was soon out of
sight, but the Indian knew by the marks on the ground
the way he had taken.
A long, long chase the hound led them, till he was seen
bounding back with animation in his eye and a look which
told that he had been successful in his search. The father
and his sons hurried after the Indian, who closely followed
his dog, and to their joy discovered little Marcus, pale
DOG WAKING UP SERVANTS. 75
and exhausted, but unhurt, with the dog standing over
him.
He soon recovered, and told them how he had lost his way,
and lived upon berries and other wild fruits till he had sunk
down unable to go further. His life had undoubtedly been
preserved by means of the sagacious blood-hound.
DOG WAKING UP SERVANTS.
I HAVE told you of Tyrol, who used to ring the bell; I
will now describe another dog named Dash, who was still
more clever. When any of the servants of the family had
to sit up for their master or mistress, and fell asleep in their
chair, scarcely would they have settled themselves when the
parlour bell would be heard to ring. They were greatly
puzzled to account for this, and in vain attempted to solve
the mystery.
Dash was a black and white spaniel, who was generally
considered a fairly clever dog, but not suspected of possess-
ing any unusual amount of knowingness. He never failed,
when his master told him to get anything, to find it and
lay it at his feet. If one glove was missing, and the 'other
shown to him, he was sure to hunt about till he dis-
covered it.
One morning a person arrived with a letter before break-
fast, to be delivered into the hands of Dash's master. The
man was shown into the parlour, where he was about to sit
down, when his ears were saluted by a growl, and there
was Dash, seated in a chair near the fireplace. The dog
76 DOG WAKING UP SERVANTS.
was within reach of the ring of the bell-pull, and whenever
the man attempted to sit down, Dash put up his paw on the
ring and growled again. At length the stranger, curious to
see what the dog would do if he persevered, sat down in a
chair. Dash, on this, instead of flying at the man, as some
stupid dogs would have done, pulled the bell-rope, and a
servant coming in on the summons, was greatly astonished
when the man told him that the dog had rung the bell.
Thus the mystery which had long puzzled him and his
fellow-servants was explained. On comparing notes, they
recollected that whenever tl:e bell sounded, Dash was not
to be seen; and there could now be no doubt that immedi-
ately he observed them closing their eyes, he had hastened
off to the parlour, the bell-rope of which he could easily
reach, in order to rouse them to watchfulness.
In corroboration of this account, my friend Mrs. F --
mentioned the case of a Newfoundland dog, which was one
day accidentally shut up in the dining-room, when the
family were out. He scratched at the door and whined
loudly for a length of time ; but though the servants heard
him, they paid no attention. At length, as if the thought
had suddenly occurred to him that whenever the bell was
rung the door was opened, he actually rang the bell right
heartily. A servant instantly obeyed the summons, when
out sprang the dog, wagging his tail with delight at the
result of his sagacious experiment, and leaving the man in
amazement at finding no person in the room.
In .-Vff'^.f--
THE SHEEP-DOG AND HIS MISTRESS'S CLOAK. 77
THE SHEEP-DOG AND HIS MISTRESS'S CLOAK.
THERE are many instances of dogs showing attention to
their owner's interests. Mr. Jesse mentions one which ex-
hibits a wonderful power of reasoning in a dog.
The sheep-dog used to accompany the farm-servants about
the farm, but ran home to be fed at the dinner-hour of his
mistress, returning afterwards to his duty in the fields.
One day, as he was approaching the house, he met a young
woman, whom he had never before seen, leaving it wearing
his mistress's cloak, which had in reality been lent her.
Hungry as he was, he nevertheless turned about and fol-
lowed closely at her heels, greatly to her alarm. Hurrying
on, the dog still accompanied her, till she reached the
house in which the brother of the dog's mistress resided, with
whom he was well acquainted. On seeing the young woman
enter it, the faithful animal turned about, and went quietly
back to the farm. It was thus evident that, from seeing her
go into a house which he knew, he was satisfied that she
was a friend of the family. Had she gone to a strange
place, he would probably have tried to take the cloak from
her.
Follow what you believe to be the right course, like the
faithful sheep-dog; and though the result may not answer
your expectations, do not be disheartened. Persevere in
acting rightly: the reward will come.
-*'^.svfy-sea^--
78 THE TWO DOGS AND THEIR CHARGE.
THE DOG AND THE MARE.
DoGs and horses frequently form friendships. A Newfound-
land dog had attached himself to a mare belonging to his
master, and seemed to consider himself especially the
guardian of his less sagacious companion. Whenever the
groom began to saddle the mare, the dog used to lie down
with his nose between his paws, watching the proceeding.
The moment the operation was finished, up jumped the
dog, seized the reins in his mouth, and led the mare to her
master, following him in his ride.
On returning home, the reins being again given to him,
he would lead his friend back to the stable. If, on his
arrival, the groom happened to be out of the way, he
would bark vehemently till he made his appearance, and
then hand over his charge to him.
You may be young and little, but if you exercise discre-
tion and judgment, you may assist those much bigger and
older than yourself. Learn from the dog, however, not to
give yourself airs in consequence; you will have simply
performed your duty in making yourself useful.
THE TWO DOGS AND THEIR CHARGE.
I MUST give you another anecdote somewhat similar to the
last.
A little terrier, and another dog, equally faithful and
sagacious, had attached themselves to their master's horse,
I~~~~ -: :~s
% i, -''''
II
THE DOG AND THE MARE.
80 CRIB THE' BULL-TERRIER.
which they always accompanied when it went out. If the
master rode out on it to dinner, the two dogs used to re-
main contentedly in the stable with their friend, till it was
required to carry its master home.
One night the gentleman had ordered his horse to be
brought, but waited in vain for its appearance. At length
the groom was summoned, when he declared that he dared
not take the horse out of the stable, as one of the dogs was
on its back, and the other by its side, threatening to attack
every person who came up to the animal. The owner,
observing that the groom was a stranger, suspected at once
that the dogs would not trust him, and had himself to go
round to the stable, when the faithful animals at once de-
livered their charge up to him.
CRIB THE BULL-TERRIER SAVING THE LIFE OF
BOB THE SETTER.
Two dogs belonged to the family of Mrs. F--. One, Bob,
a black setter, who was, like most of his species, an excellent
swimmer; the other, Crib, a bull-terrier, who had no love
for the water, and thought himself ill-used whenever he was
compelled to take a bath.
Several of the family were walking along the bank of the
Tweed, accompanied by the two dogs, when Bob, as usual,
plunged into the water, but Crib kept close to their heels.
The ladies happened to be in earnest conversation, and were
taking no notice of the dogs, when their attention was
attracted by a second plunge, and Bob was seen, apparently
THE NEWFOUNDLAND DOG AND THE THIEVISH PORTER. 81
seized with cramp, floundering in the middle of the river,
Crib swimming eagerly towards him. Bob sank just as his
friend reached him, but Crib seized him by the nape of the
neck in his powerful jaws, and thus swam with him to shore.
There existed no particular friendship between the dogs;
and when Crib's natural aversion to the water is considered,
it must be acknowledged that he well deserved the Humane
Society's Medal for his gallantry.
It is truly a noble deed to save the life of a fellow-crea-
ture, though it but rarely falls to the lot of any one.. But,
though you may never have an opportunity of doing that,
you may always find numerous ways of rendering assistance
to those who may, in one form or other, be in want of it.
THE NEWFOUNDLAND DOG AND THE THIEVISH
PORTER.
A GROCER owned a Newfoundland dog, which used fre-
quently to take charge of the shop. While thus lying
down with his nose between his paws, he observed one of
the porters frequently visiting the till. He suspected that
the man had no business to go there. He therefore
watched him, and, following him, observed him hide the
n1,..,i.-- he had taken in the stable. The dog, on this,
attempted to lead several persons in whom he had confi-
dence towards the place, by pulling in a peculiar manner
at their clothes. They took no heed of him, till at length
one of the apprentices going to the stable, the dog followed
him and began scratching at a heap of rubbish in a corner.
(424) 6
82 THE TERRIER AND THE DUCKLINGS.
The young man's attention being aroused, he watched the
animal, which soon scratched up several pieces of money.
The apprentice, collecting them, evidently to the dog's satis-
faction, took them to his master, who marked them, and re-
stored them to the place where they were discovered.
The porter, who for some other cause was suspected, was
at length arrested, when some of the marked coin was found
on him. On being taken before a magistrate, he confessed
his guilt, and was convicted of the theft.
THE TERRIER AND THE DUCKLINGS.
A TERRIER, which lived at Dunrobin Castle many years
ago, had a family of puppies, which were taken from
her and drowned. How she mourned for her offspring, and
wondered why her owner had been so cruel as to allow them
to be carried away Her maternal feelings were as strong
as those of other creatures, and she felt a longing to exercise
them. At length she caught sight of a brood of young
ducklings. They were young, and required care just like
her own dear little whelps; so, seizing them, she carried
them off one by one to her kennel, and would allow no one
to take them away. They seemed to understand that they
had obtained a very good nurse, and she watched them with
the most affectionate care. When, however, they made
their way to the water and plunged in, she exhibited the
greatest alarm, believing that they would be drowned, as her
own puppies had been. No sooner had she reached the
shore than she picked them up in her mouth, and carried
-' ".--
THE TERRIER AND THE DUCKLINGS.
84 THE NEWFOUNDLAND DOG SAVING THE MASTIFF.
them off to her kennel, resolving, probably, never to allow
them to run into the same danger again.
After the ducklings grew up, and were no longer willing
to submit to her canine style of nursing, she again became
the mother of another litter. On this also being destroyed,
she seized two cock chickens, which she reared with the same
care that she had done the ducklings. When, however, the
young cocks began to try their voices, their foster-mother
was as much annoyed as she had been by the ducks going into
the water, and invariably did her best to stop their crowing.
You will never want objects on which to exercise your
kind feelings. "The poor you have always with you."
You must not be disheartened or dissatisfied if they persist
in following a different course from that which you think
they ought to do. How often, when a baby, have you
cried lustily when your mother or nurse heartily wished
you to be silent; and as you grew older, perversely ran
away into danger when they called after you! Through
life remember that little terrier, and like her persevere
in befriending those in need.
THE NEWFOUNDLAND DOG SAVING THE MASTIFF.
I MUST tell you one more anecdote of two dogs of a similar
character to one I gave you a few pages back, but in this
instance they were professed enemies. It happened at
i)onaghadee, where a pier was in course of building.
Two dogs-one a Newfoundland, and the other a mastiff
-were seen by several people engaged in a fierce and
THE NEWFOUNDLAND DOG SAVING THE MASTIFF. 85
prolonged battle on the pier. They were both powerful
dogs, and though good-natured when alone, were much
in the habit of thus fighting whenever they met. At
length they both fell into the sea, and as the pier was long
and steep, they had no means of escape but by swimming
a considerable distance. The cold bath brought the combat
to an end, and each began to make for the land as best he
could.
The Newfoundland dog speedily gained the shore, on
which he stood shaking himself, at the same time watching
the motions of his late antagonist, who, being no swimmer,
began to struggle, and was just about to sink. On seeing
this, in he dashed, took the other gently by the collar, kept
his head above water, and brought him safely to land.
After this they became inseparable friends, and never
fought again; and when the Newfoundland dog met his
death by a stone waggon running over him, the mastiff
languished, and evidently mourned for him for a long time.
Let this incident afford us great encouragement to love
our enemies, and to return good for evil, since we find
the feeling implanted in the breast of a dog to save the
life of his antagonist, and to cherish him afterwards as
a friend.
We may never be called on to save the life of a foe;
but that would not be more difficult to our natural disposi-
tion than acting kindly and forgivingly towards those who
daily annoy us-who injure us or offer us petty insults.
-^- hz-^^i^ 6ff-l
80 THE TERRIER AND THE BANTAM.
THE NEWFOUNDLAND PUNISHING THE LITTLE DOG.
You remember the way Byron punished his troublesome
little assailant. Another Newfoundland dog, of a noble
and generous disposition, was often assailed in the same
way by noisy curs in the streets. He generally passed
them with apparent unconcern, till one little brute ventured
to bite him in the back of the leg. This was a degree of
wanton insult which could not be patiently endured; so
turning round, he ran after the offender, and seized him by
the poll. In this manner he carried him to the quay, and
holding him for some time over the water, at length dropped
him into it. He did not, however, intend that the culprit
should be drowned. Waiting till he was not only well
ducked, but nearly sinking, he plunged in and brought him
safely to land.
Could you venture to look a Newfoundland dog in the
face, and call him a brute beast, if you feel that you have
acted with less generosity than he exhibited !
THE TERRIER AND THE BANTAM.
AMONG the strange friendships existing between animals of
different natures, I must mention one formed between a
terrier and a bantam.
The little dog was suffering so severely from the dis-
temper, that it was necessary to confine her to her kennel,
which had open bars in front of it. A bantam cock which
II i
ll l
STERRI AND THE BANTAM.
_If >, f,
THE TERRIER AND THE BANTAM.
88 THE COMPASSIONATE DOG WHICH SAVED PUSSY'S LIFE.
lived in the yard, walking up and down, observed the poor
little animal, and gazed at her with looks of deep compassion.
At last he managed to squeeze himself through the bars.
The terrier evidently understood his feelings, and from that
day forward the bantam took up his abode in the dog's
prison-like a brave physician, fearless of catching the
complaint of his patient-and seldom left it, except to
pick up his daily food. When he did so, the dog became
uneasy, whining till her friend returned.
The terrier became worse, and the bantam redoubled his
attentions, and, for the purpose of warming the dog, took
his place between her fore-legs; and then the poor little
invalid settled down on the bird, apparently to enjoy the
warmth afforded by his feathers. Thus, day after day
was passed in the closest bonds of affection, till the terrier
died of the disease from which she had been suffering.
The bantam appeared inconsolable at the loss of his friend,
and it was some time before he recovered his usual spirits.
Imitate that little bantam. You will find very many
human beings, in lieu of sick terriers, to nurse. As will-
ingly as the bird gave up pleasant amusements, so rouse
yourself from sloth for their sakes.
THE COMPASSIONATE DOG WHICH SAVED
PUSSY'S LIFE.
I MUST give you another instance, still more curious than
the former, of friendship between two animals.
A number of rough boys in Liverpool had stoned a cat,
FOP PLAYING AT HIDE-AND-SEEK. 89
and .ih i. .1 it through a pool of water, no one of the many
passers-by attempting to stop them; when a dog coming up
was moved with pity and indignation at the brutal pro-
ceedings, which ought to have induced the human beings
who witnessed it to interfere. Barking furiously, he rushed
in among the boys, and then carried off the ill-used cat
in his mouth, bleeding, and almost senseless, to his kennel
at the Talbot Inn, to which he belonged. He there laid
it on the straw, licked it till it was clean, and then stretched
himself on it, as if to impart to it some of his own warmth.
On its beginning to revive, he set out to obtain food for it,
when the people of the inn, noticing his behaviour, gave his
patient some warm milk.
Some days passed before the cat recovered, and during
the whole time the dog never remitted in his attentions to
it. The cat, in return, exhibited the warmest gratitude to
the dog, and for many years afterwards they were seen
going about the streets of Liverpool together.
Do you not blush for human nature when you hear of
boys exhibiting less compassion than a dog ? Be watch-
ful that you never have cause to blush for yourself.
FOP PLAYING AT HIDE-AND-SEEK.
NOT only can dogs be taught all sorts of amusing tricks,
but they can play intelligently at games themselves. Mrs.
Lee tells us of a fox-terrier named Fop, who used to hide
his eyes, and suffer those playing with him to conceal
themselves before he looked up. I should have liked to
90 THE SPANIEL AND HIS FRIEND THE PARTRIDGE.
see jolly Fop at his sports. If his playfellow hid himself
behind a curtain, Fop would go carefully past that particular
curtain, looking behind the others and the rest of the furni-
ture, and when he thought he had looked long enough, seize
the concealing curtain, and drag it aside in triumph.
The drollest thing, however, was to see him take his
turn at hiding. He would get under a chair, and fancy he
could not be seen. Of course, those at play with him pre-
tended not to know where he was hiding, and it was most
amusing to witness his agitation as they passed.
Once Fop was ill, and had taken some homeopathic
globules, which were supposed to have cured him. After-
wards, when anything was the matter with him, he would
stand near the medicine-box, and hold his mouth open to
receive a pill. He possibly might have had a taste for
sugar-plums.
Professor Owen tells us of another dog which was taught
by his master to play at hide-and-seek. When he heard the
words, "Let us have a game," he immediately hid his eyes
between his paws in the most honourable manner; and when
his owner had placed a sixpence or a piece of cake in the most
improbable place, he started up, and invariably found it.
Young dogs, it may thus be seen, enjoy games of play
as much as boys and girls do, and romping still more so.
THE SPANIEL AND HIS FRIEND THE PARTRIDGE.
HERE is another instance of friendship existing between a
dog and a bird.
I -
TH P LFEA
THE SPANIEL AND HIS FRIEND THE PARTRIDGE.
92 THE SPANIEL AND HIS FRIEND THE PARTRIDGE.
A lady possessed a spaniel named Tom. After she had
had Tom several years, a red-legged partridge called Bill,
brought from France, was given to her. She had often
seen Tom tease the cats and amuse himself with barking
at birds, and was consequently afraid to place Bill near
him. One day, however, Bill was brought into the room,
and placed on the ground, a watch being kept on Tom's
movements. Bill appeared in no way alarmed at his four-
footed companion, who, too, seemed not inclined to molest
him. They looked at each other shyly at first, like two
children when first introduced; but Bill hopping forward,
Tom seemed pleased at the confidence shown in him.
In a short time they became excellent friends. A saucer
of bread and milk being placed on the ground, they fed out
of it together, and afterwards would retire to a corner to
sleep, the partridge nestling between the dog's legs, and
never stirring till his companion awoke.
When the dog accompanied his mistress in a walk, the
bird, which could not be taken, showed much uneasiness till
he returned; and one day, when the partridge happened to
be shut up in a room by himself, the dog searched all over
the house, whining mournfully, as if he feared some acci-
dent had happened to his friend.
This curious friendship came to an untimely end. Tom
was stolen; and from that time Bill refused food, and died
on the seventh day, a victim to grief for the loss of his
companion.
My dear young friends, let the story of this strange
friendship awaken in your minds a stronger sense of love
and trust, not only towards those who may be the friends
THE DOG WHICH TRACED HIS MASTER. 93
of your youth, but also towards all who may have the care
or oversight of you. I am afraid there are very many
young persons who would display far less genuine grief at
the loss of their companions than did the partridge at the
loss of the spaniel. Strive, then, to let your friendship
towards them be such, that your grief at their loss may
be genuine.
THE DOG WHICH TRACED HIS MASTER.
DOGS often show much regard for each other, as well as
for other animals ; but they certainly possess a still greater
affection for human beings.
A gentleman having to proceed from the north of
England to London by sea, left his favourite dog behind.
While seated one night in the pit of Drury Lane Theatre
-some time after his arrival in the metropolis-to his
amazement, his favourite sprang upon him, covering him
with caresses.
The dog, as soon as he found that his master had
departed from the shore, broke his chain, and set out on
his long journey to rejoin him. How he traced him must
ever be a marvel. Perhaps he pursued the line of coast
till he reached London, where it is possible he may have
recovered some trace of his lost friend by scent, at the
landing place. This, however, is so improbable, that it is
more likely he made the discovery by that incomprehensible
power which we call instinct.
94 THE DOG WHICH TRAVELLED ALONE BY RAILWAY.
THE DOG WHICH TRAVELLED ALONE BY RAILWAY.
A PRESTON paper gave some time ago an account of a dog
which travelled alone by railway in search of his master.
In this instance the animal acted much as any human
being would have done.
The dog, which was well known to the railway officials
from frequently travelling with his master, presented him-
self at one of the stations on the Fleetwood, Preston, and
Longridge line. After looking round for some length of
time among the passengers and in the carriages, just as the
train was about to start he leaped into one of the compart-
ments of a carriage, and lay down under a seat.
Arrived at Longridge, he made another survey of the
passengers, and after waiting till the station had been
cleared, he went into the Railway Station Hotel, searched
all the places on the ground-floor, then went and made a
tour of inspection over the adjoining grounds ; but being
apparently unsuccessful, trotted back to the train, and took
his late position just as it was moving off On reaching
the station from which he had first started, he again looked
round as before, then took his departure.
It seems that he now proceeded to the General Railway
Station at Preston, and after repeating the looking-round
performance, placed himself under one of the seats in
a train which he had singled out of the many that are
constantly popping in and out, and in due time arrived
in Liverpool. He now visited a few places where he had
before been with his master. He remained over-night
NEPTUNE; OR, FAITHFUL TO TRUST. 95
in Liverpool, and visited Preston early again the following
morning.
Still not finding his missing master, he for the fourth
time took the train; on this occasion, however, to Lancaster
and Carlisle, at which latter place, his sagacity, as well as
the persevering tact he had displayed in prosecuting his
search, were rewarded by finding his master. Their joy at
meeting was mutual.
I cannot too often repeat it: let duty be your master.
Be not less persevering in pursuing it, than were the dogs
I have told you about in seeking their masters.
NEPTUNE; OR, FAITHFUL TO TRUST.
AT an inn in Wimborne in Dorsetshire, near which town I
resided, was kept, some years ago, a magnificent Newfound-
land dog called Neptune. His fame was celebrated far and
wide. Every morning he was accustomed, as the clock of
the minster struck eight, to take in his mouth a basket con-
taining a certain number of pence, and to carry it across the
street to the shop of a baker, who took out the money, and
replaced it by its value in rolls. With these Neptune
hastened back to the kitchen, and speedily deposited his
trust.
It is remarkable that he never attempted to take the
basket, nor even to approach it, on Sunday mornings, when
no rolls were to be obtained.
On one occasion, when returning with the rolls, another
dog made an attack upon the basket, for the purpose of
96 THE AFFECTIONATE POODLE.
stealing its contents. On this the trusty fellow, placing it on
the ground, severely punished his assailant, and then bore
off his charge in triumph.
He met his death-with many other dogs in the place-
from poison, which was scattered about the town by a semi-
insane person, in revenge for some fancied insult he had
received from the inhabitants.
Like trusty Neptune, deserve the confidence placed in
you, by battling bravely against all temptations to act
dishonestly. Your friends may never know of your efforts
to do so, but your own peace of mind will be reward enough.
THE AFFECTIONATE POODLE.
A GENTLEMAN residing at Dresden possessed a poodle which
he had always treated kindly, and which was especially
fond of him. He at length, however, made a present of her
to a friend living about nine miles offt It being supposed
that she would probably try to return to her former master,
she was tied up till she became the mother of three young
puppies ; and so devoted to them did she appear, that her
new owner no longer feared she would quit him. He there-
fore gave her her liberty.
Shortly afterwards, however, she and the three puppies
were missing. Search was made for them in vain. At
length her master's Dresden friend paid him a visit, and
told him that on the preceding evening the poodle had
arrived at his house with one of her puppies in her mouth,
and that another had been found dead on the road.
72
THE ,I 'P
--4-. - --- _
THE AFFECTtONATE POODLE.
98 THE NEWFOUNDLAND DOG AND THE HATS.
It appeared that she had started at night, carrying the
pups-which were still too young to walk-one at a time, a
certain distance, intending to go back for the others. She
had hoped thus to transfer them all to her former much-
loved home. The third puppy was never found. The
one that died had perished by cold, it being the winter
season.
THE NEWFOUNDLAND DOG AND THE HATS.
IN sagacity, the Newfoundland surpasses dogs of all other
breeds.
Two gentlemen, brothers, were out shooting wild-fowl,
attended by one of these noble animals. Having thrown
down their hats on the grass, they together crept through
some reeds to the river-bank, along which they proceeded
some way, after firing at the birds. Wishing at length for
their hats-one of which was smaller than the other-they
sent the dog back for them. The animal, believing it was
his duty to bring both together, made several attempts to
carry them in his mouth. Finding some difficulty in doing
this, he placed the smaller hat within the larger one, and
pressed it down with his foot. He was thus, with ease,
enabled to carry them both at the same time.
Perhaps he had seen old-clothes-men thus carrying hats;
but I am inclined to think that he was guided by seeing
that this was the best way to effect his object.
There are two ways of doing everything-a wrong and a
right one. Like the Newfoundland dog, try to find out the
right way, and do what you have to do, in that way.
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