REASON IN ANIMALS.
[TO THE EDITOR OF THE " SPECTATOR."] S111,—Are animals able to think over and carry out a plan ? The following anecdotes will answer the question. When in India, I had a small rough terrier who, when given a bone, was sent to eat it on the gravel drive under an open porch in front of the bungalow. On several occasions two crows had made an attempt to snatch the dainty morsel, bat their plans were easily defeated by ` Topsy's ' growls and snapping teeth. Away flew the crows to the branch of a tree near by. After a few moments of evident discussion, they proceeded to carry out the plan of attack. One crow flew down to the ground and gave a peck at the end of the dog's tail. ` Topsy ' at once turned to resent this attack in the rear, whilst the other crow flew down and bore the bone away in triumph.
The same dog had a favourite resting-place in an easy-chair, and was very often deprived of it by a dog, which came as visitor to the house. Topsy' did not approve of this, and her attempts to regain her seat were met with growls and bites. This justified an act of eviction, and the busy little brain decided on a plan. The next day, as usual, the intruder established himself in the chair, which was close to the open door. Topsy' looked on for a moment, and then flew savagely out of doors, barking at a sup- posed enemy. Out ran the other dog to see what was up, and back came Topsy ' to take possession of her coveted seat. The other dog came slowly back, and curled himself up in a far-off corner. The above I was an eye-witness to, and therefore can vouch for the truth of what I relate.—I am, Sir, &c., K. P.
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