Maligned Animals On a small farm in the North . West,
a friendly and intelligent goose has discovered where its food is kept and continually endeavours to get in, always by the method of turning the handle. It cannot quite manage to turn it, sufficiently, but seems to be well aware that the handle offers the only means of entrance. In general, the goose is, of course, one of the cleverest of all birds. How, then, has it come about that we use the word as a symbol of stupidity ? Yet more unjust is the selection of the pig as a symbol of dirtiness. It is one of the cleanest—and most companionable—of animals. On this same farm the bedding of a par- ticular pig remains immaculately clean and is not removed at less than six weeks' intervals. The same animal will go for walks with its owners like any dog and always hurries to join them as soon as they come in sight, for mere companionship. Any child\ or other person designated as a pig should give thanks for the term as a compliment.
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