ANIMAL SIGNS As a smile, a frown, a nod, a gesture, each has its meaning with mankind, so likewise animals have signs which indicate their frame of mind and intentions. "Good When a dog, meeting a person, wags his tail, that is a sure sign of friendship; it is his way of saying, morning," or "How do you do," just as his bark is a sign of the presence of strangers, and showing his teeth and bristling the hair on his back are signs of anger, or warnings to go no farther. Unlike the dog, when a lion lashes his tail, that is a sign of anger, or that he is about to spring on a victim. The same sign may be observed in cats. When a horse lays back his ears, this is a sure sign of displeasure or anger, and that there is danger that he may bite, strike with his forefeet, or turn and kick. A loud whinny by a horse is a call to a mate; a gentle, subdued whinny, and the rapid moving of the head backward and forward, are his ways of saying that he is hungry or thirsty, and that he would like something to eat or drink. When a horse lies down, attempts to roll over, and puts his nose around to his stomach, this is a sign of pain; it means that he has eaten something that hurts him, that he has the colic, and needs the horse-doctor right away. The mewing of cats and the lowing of cows are calls to mates or to their young. The bristling of the hair on the tail and back of a cat, together with a significant hiss, are signs of anger. Purring and singing are signs of contentment and friendship. At night a rooster crows at certain hours, or watches, with wonderful regularity and accuracy, generally at midnight, and again at three o'clock in the morning. In this way he serves as a sort of clock or night timepiece. HORSES THE horse is one of the noblest of animals. From the most ancient times he has been a faithful and valuable servant of man. Easily kept and easily trained to labor, he has willingly laid his great strength at the disposal of every one who has chanced to be his owner. Along with the cow, the horse ranks as one of the most useful of all animals. Both in peace and in war his services have been considered indispensable. There is scarcely an industry, trade, or calling known to man in which his services are not required at some point or in some way. In the city and in the country, at the mill and factory, down in the coal-mine, on the road and on the farm, he assists man in his labors, and, by the contribution of his superior strength, multiplies man's efforts many fold. Harnessed to the plow, the wagon, the carriage, the drag, the rake, the reaper and the mower, he may be regarded as a living engine, ministering to the needs, the comforts, and the happiness of mankind. In him are combined strength, speed, docility, and powers of endurance as in no other animal. See the faithful draft-horse plowing in the field all day long, or hauling heavy loads over long, rough, and sometimes muddy roads, without the least complaint. Who could fail to admire him? And who would not enjoy riding in a carriage behind a beautiful, well-groomed, fleet-footed roadster? And what boy would not be delighted to ride on the back of some gently galloping steed or pony? In submission and attachment to man, the horse is equaled only by the dog and the elephant. He soon learns to distinguish the voice of a kind master, and to come at his call. He joins willingly with him in any labor. Most horses naturally have a kind disposition, and love to be rubbed and petted. The horse is naturally a social animal, fond of company, and in a wild state lives in large herds. He often becomes much attached to his owner. Horses live wholly on grass, hay, and grain. They are adorned with beautiful manes, tails, and foretops. They have short ears, large, intelligent eyes, and are of keen scent. They can see quite well even in the dark. When attacked they defend themselves by kicking with their heels. When angered, they also sometimes bite, and strike with their feet. They love to run and jump and lie down and roll over. They can be trained |