A DOG-STORY.
[To THE EDITOR OF THE "SPECTATOR.") SIR,—I think the following is an instance of a very high order of intelligence in an animal ; of a power of reasoning as distinct from any acquired instinct. I have a bull-pup aged ten months and another bulldog four years old, both of which live in the house and are great pets. A short time ago my wife was ill, and, though the older dog, owing to his quiet and sedate ways, was allowed to enter her room, the puppy was never admitted. The nurse could always tell which dog was at the door because the older dog gave one single and gentle scratch and then remained quiet, while the puppy scratched violently and frequently and whined. The puppy apparently could not understand why she was not admitted, and felt her exclusion sorely. One day she scratched furiously as usual. No notice was taken. Presently she was heard going flop, flop downstairs. In a few minutes the single gentle scratch of the old dog was heard, the door was opened, and there were both dogs, and, strange to say, from that time the puppy so imitated the scratch of the other dog that it was impossible to tell which was at the door. Undoubtedly the puppy went and asked the old dog to show her how he gained admission. How else can one explain the fact ?—I am, Sir, &c., Churchstanton Rectory, Honitou. ARNOLD D. TAYLOR.
Previous page
