HOW DID THE DOG KNOW ? [To the Editor of
the SPECTATOR.] .-
S01,—It may be of interest to your correspondent to know the results of some experiments I made 25 years ago. I studied dogs with a view to satisfying myself as to their means of conversing one with the other. I came to the conclusion that their " barks " are simply a code of signals, or, may I say;
" bugle calls." The real conversation is carried on by " wireless " agency.
Here is a simple test. I had two collies, mother and son. Each was taken for an outing by a member of the family in opposite directions, for an hour or more. When they returned to the room the two dogs lay on the rug about a yard apart facing each other. Their noses vibrated and then became suddenly rigid--they had " switched on the wireless." Each in turn would apparently be " telling the tale," while a pleased and sometimes humorous look would appear on the face of the listener. Anyone can try that test if they have two dogs who are good pals. Another point I found was that where dogs arc friendly in a district they " broadcast " a statement and it is passed on from dog to dog until the news travels.
The answer to your correspondent's question, to me, there- fore, is a simple one. The dog missed his master. He " broad- casted "—" Anyone seen my boss / " He received the reply and went back to the hotel on " information received " another dog.—I am, Sir, &c., from 13.
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