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-The Project Gutenberg EBook of Better Than Men, by Rush Hawkins
-
-This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most
-other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions
-whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of
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-to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this ebook.
-
-Title: Better Than Men
-
-Author: Rush Hawkins
-
-Release Date: November 1, 2016 [EBook #53423]
-
-Language: English
-
-Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1
-
-*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK BETTER THAN MEN ***
-
-
-
-
-Produced by Stephen Hutcheson, Rick Morris, MFR and the
-Online Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net
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-
-[Illustration: "CHARLIE"]
-
-
-
-
-                            BETTER THAN MEN
-
-
-                                   BY
-                            RUSH C. HAWKINS
-
-                              J. W. BOUTON
-                      TEN WEST TWENTY-EIGHT STREET
-                                NEW YORK
-                                  1896
-
-                          Copyright, 1896, by
-                              J. W. Bouton
-
- TO MY BELOVED AND LOVING WIFE, EVER FAITHFUL AND TRUE, WHOSE GOODNESS
-                       PASSETH ALL UNDERSTANDING
-
-
-
-
-                                CONTENTS
-
-
-  Explanatory                                                           1
-  The Excursion                                                        13
-  Tim, the Dissipated                                                  91
-  Carlo, the Soldier                                                  113
-  Jeff, the Inquisitive                                               127
-  Toby, the Wise                                                      139
-  Two Dogs                                                            149
-  Two Innocents Abroad                                                165
-  About Columbus, by an old showman                                   171
-  In Relation to Mysteries                                            187
-  Mysteries                                                           195
-
-
-
-
-                              EXPLANATORY
-
-
-The title chosen for the following sketches, written for the purpose of
-presenting certain prominent characteristics of the lower animals worthy
-of the attention of the human animal, stands for rather a serious
-proposition which may be questioned by a majority of those readers whose
-kindly interest in our mute friends has not already been seriously
-awakened.
-
-To write so that those who read may infer that a certain selected number
-of so-called lower animals are better, by nature and conduct, in certain
-elemental virtues, than men, is, to say the least, rather imprudent, and
-to the optimistic student of human nature may appear irreverent to an
-unpardonable degree. Usually, to the minds of such observers, humanity
-is accepted for its traditional value, regardless of established
-conditions or inherent actualities. Such investigators investigate only
-one side of their subject. They start out handicapped with the old
-theory that in every respect the human animal is superior to every
-other, without attempting to analyze unseen interior conditions, whether
-natural or developed.
-
-In relation to natural conditions, the large majority of Christian sects
-are perfectly logical. They lay down as a clearly established
-fundamental fact that all human beings, owing to what they designate as
-Adam's fall, are born into this world morally corrupt and completely
-depraved, but that they have within their control for ready application
-an appropriate panacea for a certain cure of these natural defects. But
-the optimist neither admits the disease nor the necessity for cure; he
-says always, at least inferentially, that all human beings come into the
-world in a state of innocence and purity, and that their few defects
-represent a certain amount of degeneration.
-
-Both of these theories may be wrong. It is possible that all children
-come into the world with a certain number of well-known natural
-qualities--good, bad, strong, and weak--in no two alike, and for which
-they are in no way responsible; and that what they become in their
-mature years depends largely, if not entirely, upon home training and
-the care bestowed upon them by the government under whose laws they
-exist. Strong, healthy, intellectual, and moral parents, aided by a wise
-and honestly administered government, assist each other in forming
-characters which make fine men and women. But without the combination of
-those parental qualities ever actively engaged in instructing and
-controlling, sustained by a wise political organization, there is
-usually but little development of the higher and better qualities of our
-nature, either moral or intellectual.
-
-It is at this point that we may be permitted to cite the difference
-between the so-called upper and lower animal. In the dog and horse,
-notably, their better qualities are inherent, born with them, grow
-stronger with time, and their almost perfect and complete development is
-natural, and continues without aid, example, or instruction. Not more
-than one dog or horse in a thousand, if kindly treated and left to
-himself, would turn out vicious, and treat them as we may, no matter how
-unjustly or cruelly, we can never deprive them of their perfect
-integrity and splendid qualities of loyalty to master and friends.
-
-These most valuable of all moral qualities are natural to certain
-animals, and, no matter what man may do, they can never be extinguished.
-Although intangible, they are as much parts of the living organism of
-the horse and dog as are their eyes or the other organs needed for
-physical purposes. The affection of the dog for those whom he loves is
-actually boundless. It has neither taint of selfishness nor has it
-limits, and it can only be extinguished with the loss of life. The
-ever-willing horse will run himself to death to carry from danger, and
-especially from the pursuit of enemies, those who make use of his
-friendly aid. Other animals will do as much, but they never volunteer
-for a dangerous service.
-
-In India, where the elephant is used for domestic purposes and is
-sometimes treated as a domestic animal, he has been known to protect
-children left in his charge, and in the performance of his daily task
-will yield willing obedience to orders; but he is a knowing and cautious
-constructionist, and seldom goes outside of the strict line of duty. He
-will always fight for his own master or friends when told, and sometimes
-volunteers to encounter a danger to protect those around him who seek
-the aid of his superior powers. He is however, a natural conservative,
-and prefers peace to war.
-
-Many other animals are capable of becoming affectionate pets and
-interesting companions, but in no respect can they be compared with the
-dog, the horse, or the elephant. In their separate and individual
-combination of qualities which render them fit and useful companions for
-man, they stand quite by themselves. The question of treating animals
-with kindly consideration is usually disposed of by saying they are not
-capable of appreciating kind treatment; that their brain capacity is so
-limited in respect to quantity as to render them quite incapable of
-distinguishing active kindness from passive indifference or even cruel
-treatment.
-
-This is the theory of the thoughtless.
-
-The Newfoundland dog which, in the summer of 1866, I saw leap from a
-bridge into a rapid-running deep creek and rescue a two-year-old child
-from death, thought--and quickly at that. In a second he appreciated the
-value of a critical moment, and estimated not only the magnitude but the
-quality of the danger. No human being could have taken in the whole
-situation more completely or caused the physical organization to respond
-to the brain command with greater celerity. The whole incident was over
-by the time the first on the spot of the would-be human rescuers had
-taken off his coat.
-
-Crowley, the remarkable chimpanzee, who had his home in the Central Park
-Menagerie for about four years, proved to be a most convincing item of
-testimony in favor of the intellectual development of one of the lower
-animals. The gradual and certain unfolding of his intelligence betrayed
-the presence of a quantity of natural brainpower almost equal to that of
-an intelligent child of his own age.
-
-Among his numerous accomplishments was a complete outfit of the table
-manners of the average well-bred human being. His accurate holding of
-knife, fork, and spoon, his perfect knowledge of their use, and the
-delicate application to his lips of the napkin, proved the possession of
-exceptional knowledge and a well-ordered memory.
-
-The things he did and the words he tried to speak, for he made thousands
-of efforts every day to utter his thoughts, would make a convincing list
-of items all going to prove the presence of a capacity for thinking
-quite worthy of consideration.
-
-In elaborating the various powers which he employed in his methods of
-expression he showed remarkable ingenuity. He, no doubt, reflected upon
-his deficiencies, and thought the whole matter over with reference to
-means of communication with those he cared to converse with, and then,
-from out the store of his natural capacities, invented an extensive
-combination of hand and feet signs with the variety of sounds at his
-command, which finally enabled him to make himself perfectly understood
-by those about him.
-
-The intellectual development of Crowley, of which I have given only an
-inadequate idea, came from kind treatment and constant contact with his
-keeper and the director of the menagerie, both of whom were his devoted
-friends and teachers.
-
-These little character sketches, as they may perhaps be described, were
-written for the purpose of awakening the personal interest of those who
-may read them, with the hope also of enlisting their active influence in
-behalf of spreading abroad a better understanding of the nature of our
-four-footed friends and servants, who give so much and receive so little
-in return. The better appreciation of their exceptionally fine qualities
-will surely lead to closer relations between them and their masters,
-and, in the end, insure better treatment for those humble and confiding
-creatures which the Creator has placed so completely in the power of
-man.
-
-Fiction plays but a little part in these pages. It has long been a
-source of pleasure to me to note the marks of intelligence in the
-animals that we admit to our companionship, that we make a part of our
-family rule and association. These sketches are nearly all based upon
-personal experiences and observations of my own. They are my plea for
-their greater civil rights--at least in the way of kindness and
-appreciation. Incidentally I have given such local color to the stories
-as they require. The first sketch, for example, has for its frame the
-pleasant hills and valleys of Vermont. It recalls old days worth the
-recording and a people of pure Anglo-Saxon blood worth a lasting memory.
-
-                                                                R. C. H.
-
-
-
-
-                             THE EXCURSION
-
-
-A particular summer, back in the fifties, I spent in one of the
-beautiful valley villages of the "Green Mountain State." The
-old-fashioned, unpretending country tavern was comfortable and the air
-and scenery all that could be desired. The amusements, or rather
-occupations, afforded to the sojourners, aside from reading the solid
-literature of the period, were neither novel nor exhausting, but they
-gave pleasure, were reposeful, and were innocent enough to have
-satisfied the code of the most exacting moralist. The daily routine was
-limited, not costly, and within easy reach.
-
-Of course, the first rural recreation was to fish in streams where there
-were no fish; to climb the highest hills as often as possible; argue
-religious, political, and commercial questions with the numerous oracles
-of the village, and diagnose the autumn crop question with the farmers.
-These occupations were staple commodities, always in stock and on tap
-ready to flow.
-
-The good people of the town were very much astonished when they found I
-had discovered an additional occupation. I had made the acquaintance of
-all the town dogs, and found them a most entertaining and sociable lot
-of easy-going vagabonds. The majority were much given to loafing,
-barking at strangers and the passing vehicles, and not over-anxious to
-earn the scant meals grudgingly doled out to them by the thrifty
-housewives, who frequently addressed them in terms not of a
-complimentary nature.
-
-Those were not the days of romantic names for dogs. The New England
-_répertoire_ for the canine race had been handed down, in an unbroken
-line, from a remote Puritan period. If a dog was of a large size he was
-sure to respond to the name of Tige, Rover, or Lion, and, if small, he
-was usually adorned with the name of Skip, Fido, or Zip. In those days
-there were neither kennel clubs nor dog exhibitions, and the high-flown
-English names, such as attach to the canine blue-bloods of to-day, were
-unknown.
-
-Within the ranks of this lazy, good-for-nothing, good-natured tribe,
-with its headquarters in my particular village, was a characteristic
-specimen of a perfect nobody's dog. He was not unpleasant to the vision,
-but, on the contrary, rather attractive. He was of a light brindle
-color, with a black nose, and was blessed with a pair of beautiful,
-sympathetic, and expressive dark-brown eyes, that had a frank way of
-looking clear into the eyes of whoever addressed him. But he was without
-pedigree, industry, or hope, cared nothing for worldly possessions, was
-always ready to wag a hearty response to every salutation, and was an
-ever-flowing fountain of good nature and kindness, but not devoid of
-character. Along with all his apparent indifference he had his strong
-points, and good ones at that.
-
-His great weakness was the woodchuck season. No sportsman was ever more
-watchful for the return of the shooting period than was Rover for the
-opening of the first woodchuck hole. For days before the first opening
-he would range the fields very much after the manner of the truly
-accomplished shopping woman of a large city in search of opportunities
-on a "bargain day." He had the keenest nose for his favorite game of any
-dog in the town, and so devoted was he to his particular sport, that
-frequently, while the season lasted, after a hard day's work, he would
-go to bed with an empty stomach, his chance mistress having issued an
-edict to the effect that the kitchen door was to be closed at a certain
-hour--Rover or no Rover. And so it came to pass that our devoted
-sportsman often went to his couch in the shed a very hungry dog, not
-happy for the moment, but always full of hope for the coming morning.
-
-While his sporting season lasted he had but one occupation. As soon as
-he had licked his breakfast plate clean, even to the last mite of food,
-he would start off for new adventures, and, as soon as he had succeeded
-in finding a new subterranean abode of his favorite game, he would give
-a joyous bark, and commence a most vigorous digging, and, if the soil
-happened to be of a soft nature, he would soon bury his body so as to
-leave no part of his belongings in sight but the tip end of a very
-quick-moving tail amid the débris of flying soil. If called from his
-pursuit he would come out of his hole wagging most joyously and saying
-as plainly as possible: "I wish you would turn in and help a fellow."
-
-He had never been known to capture a "chuck," but he had his fun all the
-same.
-
-There is a story of a Frenchman, who, when walking in the woods, heard
-the whistle of a woodcock and thereupon became possessed of an ardent
-desire _pour la chasse_. He equipped himself by borrowing a gun from one
-friend, a dog from another, a game-bag from a third, and the making of a
-complete shooting outfit from several others. Early in the morning,
-after the delusive whistle, he was up and off to the woods. Filled with
-eager expectation he tramped hills and swamps the whole day through
-without seeing a bird or getting a shot, and returned to the hotel much
-the worse for the wear and tear of the search, but, Frenchman like, was
-vivacious and cheerful. An English friend asked to see the inside of his
-game-bag. "Ah," answered the would-be huntsman, "I did not get ze
-leetle--ze _bécasse_, I did hear his whistle, _mais j'ai eu ma chasse_
-all ze same, and I am very happie." And so it was with Rover. He saw
-where his would-be victim was located, enjoyed the pleasure of hope, and
-had a day's digging.
-
-The other dogs of the village were not ambitious, save at meal-time,
-when they were vigorously punctual, but very unpunctual when there was
-anything useful to do, such as going after the cows at milking-time,
-driving enterprising pigs out of the garden, chasing the hens from the
-front entrance of the house, and the like. As a rule they were content
-to pass the sunny hours of the day beneath protecting shades, resting
-their lazy carcasses upon the softest patch of greensward to be found,
-and they were usually experts in the art of finding such spots. It was
-not so, however, with Rover. He was an active dog, without a lazy bone
-in his body, always on the alert for an occupation, no matter if
-sometimes useful. Take them, however, for all in all, this worthless
-pack of four-footed worthies were not a bad sort of a lot. All save one
-were good-natured and sociable. That exception was a maltese-colored
-abridgment of a mastiff, short-haired and old. He was the property of
-one of the village doctors, who was a pestiferous Whig, with the
-reputation of being the "tongueyist man in the county, if not in the
-State." He carried chips upon both shoulders, was the proprietor of a
-loud voice--plenty of it--and was always ready for a war between
-tongues. He "argered" for the sake of argument, but his ancient "Spot,"
-with a thickened throat and wheezy voice, could only keep up a running
-_pro forma_ barking accompaniment while his master "downed" his
-opponent. The old dog had unconsciously contracted his master's habit of
-controversy, and felt that he must help him out. It is due to the memory
-of that ancient canine to record that he attended strictly to his own
-affairs, and would brook no interference from frivolous idle dogs with
-no particular occupation, nor would he associate with them when off
-duty. When not with his master, he kept inside his own fence, and barked
-and made disagreeable faces at all would-be intruders.
-
-As bearing upon the story that will develop, I may add that besides the
-dogs there are, in Vermont, other four-footed friends and servants of
-man worthy of consideration. The Vermont "Morgan horse" is one of the
-acknowledged native "institutions," and no lover of that animal has ever
-made the intimate acquaintance of one of his strain without being
-fascinated with his delicate, refined beauty, affectionate disposition,
-intelligence, endurance, and willingness to serve.
-
-I was brought up with them, and used to romp and race with the colts,
-ride the mothers without saddle, bridle, or halter, and purloin sugar
-and salt to feed them when the "old folks were not looking." Among my
-happiest hours were those of my childhood and boyhood spent in close
-association with the great groups of animals that lived upon the hills
-of the old farm at the "crotch in the roads." Calves, among the most
-beautiful of all the young animals, with their great soft eyes and
-innocent faces, were a source of infinite joy to me, and even the silly
-and unintellectual sheep always appealed to my affections and sense of
-protection. These I regarded as wards to love and protect, but the dogs
-and Morgan horses were my petted friends and companions. From their
-habitual display of good faith, perfect integrity and affection I
-learned all the lessons applicable to every-day life that have been of
-value to me. From man I could have learned the arts of deceit and
-cunning, selfishness and want of feeling, and the practise of vanity,
-but never a single quality which came to me from the habitual
-association with the honest four-footed friends of my youth.
-
-The people of my native State, among their other fine characteristics,
-have always been noted for their kindness to animals, which fact alone
-stands for a very elevated plane of civilization. Ever since nearly a
-century ago, when the Morgan horse first came to them, he has been an
-object of their affection, and it is undoubtedly, to a great extent,
-owing to that creditable fact that he has always been the same charming
-animal that he is to-day.
-
-That the equine hero of this sketch was not of that noble breed will not
-detract from his special virtues or impair my passing tribute to the
-Vermont horse and his master. The one selected for my riding excursions
-was the only saddle-horse of repute in the county; he belonged to a
-livery stable, and was of the "calico" red and white sort, tall, long of
-body, sound of legs and feet, with large, liquid, expressive eyes, small
-ears, and a beautiful open nostril. His pedigree was unknown, and no one
-in the village could say where he came from. He had been turned out lame
-from a "travelling show" the year before, and had been bought for a
-song. Such only was his brief known history. To his physical beauties
-were added the higher qualities of head and heart in abundance. He was
-the sort of a beautiful creature that could not have done a mean act.
-Nature never furnished him tools for that kind of work.
-
-He was effusively affectionate, and his intelligence was of a high order
-for a horse. We took a great fancy to each other, and both of us to
-Rover, who once in a while could be coaxed from his pursuit of "chucks"
-to take a run with us over the country roads.
-
-Thus we became chosen friends, and I selected them as companions for a
-recreative excursion which I had planned, and which we shall now
-retrace.
-
-An early breakfast for man, dog and horse, and off. The general plan was
-to ride early and late, and rest during the hot hours of the middle
-portion of the day. A village with a decent "tavern" for the night was
-the objective point for each evening, and the usual daily distance, made
-at an easy canter, was about twenty miles. Between each stretch of three
-or four miles there was a halt for a dismount, a rest for the animals,
-and a leg exercise for the rider. Rover was always glad for a loll
-beneath the shady trees, but "Charlie," my calico friend, improved his
-opportunities for a nibble of the tender grass and sprouts within his
-reach. During the first two or three days I had to retrace my steps to
-remount, but I soon succeeded in making my companions understand the
-nature and object of a call, and, before the tour was half over, they
-would not permit me to walk out of their sight. Rover was on the watch,
-and, as soon as he saw me disappearing in the distance, would give the
-alarm, and then both would start off on a smart run to overtake me.
-
-Upon one occasion, after climbing a sharp hill, I had left them at the
-beginning of a long level piece of road, and had walked on. After going
-about half a mile, I met a large drove of cattle. When I had succeeded
-in passing through and beyond it, my attention was attracted by a
-confused noise in the rear. Upon looking back I discovered a great cloud
-of dust, and amidst it a confusion of moving horns and tails, while soon
-there appeared, racing through the excited mass of bovines at the top of
-his speed, Charlie, accompanied by his faithful attendant barking at the
-top of his voice. The cattle were excited and frightened up to the point
-of jumping and running they knew not where. Some went over fences,
-others through them, while the main body kept to the road, and, for a
-considerable distance, carried everything before them. I realized at
-once that my zealous companions had got me into trouble.
-
-For the information of readers not acquainted with the average
-"droveyer" of forty and fifty years ago, it is necessary to record that
-he was not the sort of an individual calculated to adorn refined
-society, and the language used by those in charge of this particular
-"drove" was more characteristic for its strength than for its elegance
-or politeness. I tried to appease their wrath, apologized for the
-unseemly conduct of dog and horse, alleged sudden fright, marshalled a
-fine array of other excuses, and finally succeeded in neutralizing the
-flow of their ire--just a little. But the chief spokesman was not
-satisfied with excuses and soft words; he was a materialist, and wanted
-to know, then and there, who was to put up the fence and pay for the
-damage done by the trampling down of growing crops. Under the
-circumstances the query did not seem to be an unreasonable one, and I
-suggested that the better course to pursue would be for the authors of
-the mischief to make terms with the owner of the crops, state facts, and
-await his decision.
-
-The season happened to be between planting and harvest, and "the
-men-folks," we were told, "are up on yender hill mending fence, and
-won't be down till dinner." The head "droveyer," impatient to keep with
-his "drove," would not wait, and informed me, in a rather emphatic sort
-of way, that I would have to wait and "settle up." There was no appeal
-in sight from his decision. So he went and I waited.
-
-The hot part of the day had arrived, and it was within about two hours
-"till dinner." After "hitchin'" the horse in the barn, away from the
-flies, I suggested the loan of an axe. This excited surprise, and the
-question came from the head of the interior of that particular domestic
-establishment: "What are _you_ going to do with an axe?" I answered:
-"I'm going to mend the fence where those cattle broke through." This
-feather came very near breaking the back of the housewife, and her sense
-of the ridiculous was excited up to the point of explosion, but she was
-too well bred to give the laugh direct, full in the face, and contented
-herself by making an acute mental survey of my physical points. She
-measured with her eye the hands and girth of chest, and made a close
-calculation as to the amount of biceps assigned to each arm, and after
-some reflection, said: "You'll find an old axe in the woodshed; you can
-take it and try and patch up the places, and, when you hear the horn,
-you can come in and eat with the rest of the folks." I started off,
-filled with the pride born of knowledge, and confident of a coming
-success, but the even flow of my happiness was soon disturbed by a sound
-from the upper register of a very loud, shrill voice, saying, "Don't
-split your feet open with that are axe." This was like a small streak of
-ice water down the spinal column, but I was on my mettle and not to be
-discouraged. The vacant spaces in the broken fence were encountered and
-yielded to superior force, and a fairish amount of success was
-accomplished about the time the welcome tones of the sonorous horn
-announced the hour for feeding.
-
-I was introduced to the "men-folks" as the stranger whose dog and horse
-had "scart the cattle inter the oats." At first it was easy to see that
-I was not regarded with favor, but, as the dinner proceeded, and as
-anecdotes succeeded each other about men, things and far-off countries I
-had seen, the Green Mountain ice began to melt, and, by the time the
-"Injun puddin'" was emptied out of its bag, cordial relations were
-established. The two bright-faced boys had become communicative, and the
-older members of the family had forgotten for the time the damage to the
-oats.
-
-The dinner ended, I requested a board of survey and an estimate. The
-first relevant observation in relation to the case before the court came
-from the grandfather: "Well, I declare, I couldn't done it better
-myself. I didn't know you city folk could work so. Where did you l'arn
-to mend fences?" This first witness for the defence produced a marked
-effect upon the jury. The next point of observation was the field of
-damaged oats. The eldest son, a Sunday-school-sort of boy, exclaimed:
-"By pepper, they are pretty well trampled down, ain't they? No cradle
-can git under 'em; guess'll have ter go at 'em with the sickle, but we
-can save the heft of 'em by bending our backs a little."
-
-During the investigation not a word was uttered about compensation, and,
-after leaving the field, the conversation ran into generalities; but
-before we reached the house the grandfather's curiosity got the better
-of his timidity, and he asked: "Where did you l'arn to mend fences?"
-When I told him that my name was ----, that I was a grandson of ----,
-was born at the "Old H. Place at the crotch of the roads in the town of
-P----," learned to mend fences there, etc., etc., he had great
-difficulty in suppressing the dimensions of the proud satisfaction my
-information had produced. In his mind I was a degenerate Vermonter,
-living in the great City of New York, but had not forgotten the lessons
-learned at the old farm. I knew how to mend a fence, and that, for him,
-was my certificate of character.
-
-From the moment of my disclosures, I was admitted to the inner family
-circle, and there was no more farm-work for the rest of the day, while
-the afternoon hours were devoted to reminiscences of the olden times:
-"Ah," said the old grandfather, "when I first laid eyes on ye, I thought
-I'd seen somebody like ye afore, and I remember it was your grandfather
-on yer father's side. He was a soldier of the Revolutionary War in one
-of the Rhode Island ridgiments, and my father belonged to one from
-Massachusetts; both served till the end of the war, and then emigrated
-to Vermont, together. My father settled on this farm, where I was born
-in 1790; your grandfather took up some land in P----, and till the end
-of his days was the best schoolmaster and surveyor anywhere round these
-parts. He was a master-hand at poetry, and used to write sarcastical
-varses agin the lop-sided cusses he hated. There's allus some mean
-critters in these country towns, who take advantage of poor folks that
-ain't very smart and cheat 'em outer their property. They used to feel
-mighty mean, I tell ye, when they read your grandfather's varses about
-'em. I heerd old Si Simmons, up to town meeting only last year, telling
-about a mean old critter down in P---- by the name of Podges and how
-your grandfather writ a varse for his gravestun, and I remember it was
-about like this:
-
-  "'Here lies the body of Podges Seth,
-  The biggest knave that e'er drew breath;
-  He lived like a hog and died like a brute,
-  And has gone to the d----l beyond dispute.'"
-
-I was able to respond in kind, for I happened to remember about another
-local poet, who hated a surviving son of this rural vampire, who quite
-worthily perpetuated the detestable qualities of his defunct parent,
-and, when he died, as he did not many years after his father, the other
-local poet, not to be outdone by my grandfather, composed the following
-verse as a fitting epitaph:
-
-  "Here lies the body of Podges Ed,
-  We all rejoice to know he's dead;
-  Too bad for Heaven, too mean for Hell,
-  And where he's gone no one can tell."
-
-In the "Old Times" there were strong, honest, rugged characters among
-the Vermont hills. The majority of them were men of plain speech and
-unyielding contempt for meanness in any form. A goodly number of the
-early settlers in the eastern counties were soldiers of the Revolution
-who had emigrated to the new State soon after its close, and they
-brought with them the simple, manly habits and ways of thinking which
-are characteristic of service in the field. Many were the anecdotes told
-of them that day--the day of the accident to the oats--very much to the
-edification of the juniors, who were all eyes and ears, at least for
-that occasion.
-
-The old house at the "crotch of the roads," when I was a boy, was the
-Saturday and Sunday halting-place for the old soldiers of my own and
-several of the neighboring towns. The larder was always well-supplied,
-and the barrels of cider that lined a capacious cellar were ready to
-respond to every call. Under the influence of an abundant supply of that
-exhilarating beverage, the fighting over of old battles was always
-vigorous and sometimes vividly realistic.
-
-The most famous of the local veterans, of my time, was known among his
-neighbors as "Uncle Daniel V----." He was a Lexington-Bunker Hill man,
-who had served till the end of the war. As I remember him, he was a most
-interesting character, humorous, with a good memory, a famous drinker of
-hard cider, and a notable singer of the patriotic soldier songs of the
-"Seventy-six" period. I can recall, in his showing "how the Yankee boys
-flaxed the Britishers," how he would shoulder one of his canes--he was a
-rheumatic and walked with two--and march up and down the broad kitchen
-of the old house, going through the motions of loading, aiming and
-firing at an imaginary enemy, greatly to my childish delight, for those
-were the first fierce war's alarms I had ever witnessed, and I can never
-forget how my imagination was fired; nor how ardently I wished I had
-been at Lexington and Bunker Hill, where "we gave it to the Red Coats."
-Uncle Daniel was far too good a patriot to say anything about the return
-compliments, "How the Red Coats gave it to us," upon one of those
-historic fields. Since his day I have learned that one of his
-glorification songs, which professed to give a correct account of one
-particular Yankee victory, was not in strict accord with the truths of
-history. I could recall for my host but a single verse of all the songs
-he used to sing, and it savors so much of the camp that I had some
-misgivings about repeating it before Christians, but upon being hard
-pressed by the boys and seeing approving glances from other directions,
-concluded to go ahead.
-
-The verse I remember is one from a song supposed to have been sung by
-British soldiers who were in the retreat after the defeat at Concord,
-April 19, 1775, and runs thus:
-
-  "From behind the hedges and the ditches.
-    And every tree and stump.
-  We would see the sons of ----
-    And infernal Yankees jump."
-
-I also remember, vaguely, something of another Revolutionary camp song
-which depicted the grief of the soldiers of Burgoyne's army. The refrain
-was like this:
-
-  "We have got too far from Canada,
-  Run, boys, run."
-
-When we had exhausted the Revolution, it was time for an afternoon
-start. For more than an hour Rover had manifested his impatience by
-numerous waggings and by pawing vigorously at the legs of my trousers
-whenever I looked his way, and from the barn there came sounds of
-hoof-poundings and impatient whinnerings--loud and plain calls for a
-move. So, after many protests against the going, a move to go was made.
-
-Before the advance upon the barn was fairly under way the youngster, who
-had been an attentive listener, decided upon a search for information,
-and, commanding a halt, informed me that "Old Jim Noyes, who lived over
-in the Snow neighborhood, has two boys in Boston; the oldest was up here
-in June and told us there was a steeple down in Boston as high as that
-old 'Jackson Hill' of ours, but I didn't b'leve a word of it. Hosea
-Doten, the biggest man at figgers and surveying in this part of Vermont,
-told mother last year that Old Jack was 1,200 feet above the sea and
-more than five hundred above where we are standing; now, there ain't no
-such steeple in Boston nor anywhere else. What do folks want such a high
-steeple for, anyway? And if meetin' houses must have steeples, why won't
-fifty feet do as well as five hundred? Some folks say that bells are
-hung up in steeples so God can hear them ring for folks to go to meetin'
-Sunday mornin'. What odds would two or three hundred feet make to God?
-He can hear a bell just as well in a fifty-foot steeple as in one five
-hundred feet high. Meetin' folks could save a lot of money by building
-low steeples. And besides, they ain't no use; nobody could live in 'em
-five hundred feet up, and it would be too high to hang a thermometer on
-unless you had a spy-glass to look at it with. I don't b'leve in such
-high steeples; they cost lots of money and ain't of no use."
-
-I assured the young philosopher of my approval of his ideas about the
-uselessness of high steeples, and told him that Boston was not the owner
-of one five hundred feet high. This information was a source of immense
-satisfaction. "I was right all the time," he added, "and knew that Jim
-Noyes was giving us lies just as fast as his tongue could work 'em out.
-Do all Vermont boys that go to Boston learn to talk like him? There's a
-lot gone down there from about here. Some of 'em are up on a visit every
-once in a while, and spend the most of their spare time in telling such
-silly stories. I guess they think they can stuff us country folks just
-like Thanksgiving turkeys. What makes 'em lie so? The boys round here,
-if they talked like they do, would get licked a dozen times a week and
-no decent folks would have anything to do with 'em. I suppose it's all
-right. Boys, when they git to Boston, have got to lie to keep their
-places and git a living. Grandfather don't take it to heart so much as
-the rest of us. He says lying is the biggest part of the show, and the
-longer we live the more on't we'll see."
-
-The day was well along, and the sun showed a decided intention of soon
-disappearing behind the top of "Old Jack," before I insisted on
-departing. Then the calico horse was watered, saddled and bridled, and
-brought out for inspection and admiration. His appearance elicited
-expressions of unbounded admiration, his great, soft, brown, and
-beautifully expressive eyes, his amiability and active intelligence
-coming in for no end of complimentary remarks. The boys were especially
-enthusiastic and proposed a "swap for a four-year-old raised on the
-place."
-
-The oats question was again brought up for adjudication, and, after
-considerable argument, the party owning the injured crop determined to
-leave the amount of damage an open question until the individual
-responsible for it could "come around agin."
-
-The moment had arrived for the reluctant good-by, the grasp of hands,
-the mount and the start, amid great excitement and noise on the part of
-the animals; and then commenced a most exhilarating run of more than
-fifteen miles over a softish dirt road, through a series of lovely
-valleys, to the little village of D----, where we called a halt for the
-night, which was destined to be prolonged into the orthodox Sunday rest
-of the place and period.
-
-By this time the organization of three had crystallized into exact form,
-and without effort had settled into an habitual daily routine, and the
-incidents of to-day were quite certain to be repeated to-morrow. There
-was always plenty of time, evenings and middle parts of days, for
-talking with the "folks"--oracles about the village taverns--who, like
-the old-time bar-room Major and Judge of the Slave States, were always
-on hand and on tap for a copious outpouring of village gossip and
-political information. In justice to the Major and Judge of the old days
-of the South, it must be written that they were usually waiting for
-another sort of a tap-flow to be turned on, from a tap not of their own.
-
-It is doubtful if the happy trio ever appreciated the greatness of this
-three weeks' manifestation of themselves, through which they were
-unambitious but undoubted involuntary heroes among the country folk.
-John Gilpin could not have been more fortunate in the way of attracting
-attention from all beholders; and "the more they gazed the more the
-wonder grew," and the puzzle of forty years ago, in the villages through
-which we passed, of "What is it, anyway?" remains as profound a mystery
-as ever.
-
-In some places I was regarded as a very considerable personage on a
-secret mission of great import; at other times the saddle-valise was
-accused of containing a supply of a newly discovered life-saving pill;
-but, generally, we were mistaken by the wise know-it-alls of the village
-as the advance agents of a coming circus; if not, why the calico horse?
-which to the rural mind, from the most remote period, has been
-associated with the gorgeous, gilded bandwagon, spangles, and sawdust.
-The fortunate suspicion of circus affiliations brought to us a measure
-of attention far beyond our merits; both animals were treated with the
-greatest respect, as possible performers of high standing, and upon
-several occasions I was asked to "make 'em show off."
-
-The summer Saturday afternoon and evening in Vermont is always the same.
-At the "stores" business flourishes, and profitable activity reigns
-supreme until late into the evening hours. On the farm the opposite is
-the rule, a general "slicking up for Sunday" and the doing of "odd
-chores" around the house and barn is the order of the day, the whole
-being a fitting prelude to the coming Sunday, which is always what it
-ought to be, not the Lord's any more than another day, nor anybody
-else's day, but a day of rest, pure and simple, for all the creatures of
-the Creator. Ever since I can remember, Vermonters, without asking leave
-of this or that authority have chosen their own way of Sunday resting.
-
-In no state west of the Rocky Mountains do the beauties of nature make a
-stronger appeal for human appreciation than in Vermont, and never are
-they seen to better advantage than upon a quiet summer Sunday morning,
-when the brilliant blue sky is filled with light, and all the world
-seems to be at peace. The clear, limpid streams move silently on as
-though controlled by the all-pervading spirit of rest; the leaves of the
-trees, yielding to the universal feeling of repose, keep silence with
-the rest of nature, and over all there is the fascinating power of
-wondrous beauties abounding not made by the hands of man. Such days are
-made for rest and reflection, when nature invites us to commune with her
-works, that we may know more of them and be able to rise to a higher and
-more ennobling appreciation of her beauties. The quiet, suggestive New
-England summer Sunday morning's appeal is nature's most beneficent call
-to her children to come to her and search for knowledge of things which
-lead through untrodden paths, where, at every step, new pleasures unfold
-to the view for our instruction and enjoyment.
-
-Upon such occasions we yield to the influence of the silent voice and
-the unseen hand, and unconsciously follow the beckonings of a wingless
-fairy, Nature's ever-present handmaid, who, without our knowledge, leads
-us to a new Fairyland, where new beauties abound, and where countless
-joys are within the reach of the most humble subjects of the Creator.
-
-Such a typical Sunday as the one I have attempted to describe followed
-the Saturday after our arrival at the little village of D----. The first
-duties of the day were to our four-footed friends, and then came the
-standard breakfast of the place and period for the superior being. Fifty
-years ago this was very much more of a living Yankee institution than
-now. In those days the French _menu_, much to the satisfaction of those
-practitioners in the dental line, had not penetrated within the borders
-of the New England rural districts. I remember distinctly the color and
-taste of the native bean-coffee, the solidity of the morning pie-crusts,
-the crumble after the crash of the cookey, and the greasy substantiality
-of the venerated doughnut. All these we had in abundance, with the
-incidental "apple sass" thrown in between courses that lovely Sunday
-morning, forty-one years ago this writing.
-
-The town of D----, happened to be the shire-town of the county in which
-it was situated. At the time of my brief sojourn there, the Supreme
-Court was in session and one of the judges had the head of the table at
-the hotel, while I, being a supposed distinguished stranger, with
-"boughten clothes" and a fair expanse of starched shirt-front, was given
-the seat of honor at his right hand. I found him a regulation specimen
-of the real original Yankee judge, quaint of speech, humorous, and
-intelligent, and not a profound believer in the oft-alleged superior
-qualities of the animal said to have been made in the image of his
-maker.
-
-Our conversation started and continued for some time in the usual way;
-the weather and condition of crops being used as an excuse for the
-opening sentences, but, before the breakfast was over, a shrewd series
-of inoffensive direct questions, deftly put, brought to the surface the
-fact that I had travelled in strange and far-away countries.
-
-Punctually at the usual hour and minute, the Sunday bells commenced
-their weekly call to the faithful, and the Judge interrupted the easy
-flow of his entertaining conversation to ask how I usually spent Sunday.
-I told him I had no particular way of doing that day, but usually
-permitted original sin to take its course. That idea seemed to strike
-him favorably and brought out a proposition that we should take to the
-woods and see which could tell the biggest story, he at the same time
-remarking: "You have travelled so much that by this time you ought to be
-an interesting liar. On such a beautiful day as this there is no excuse
-for bothering the parson. Sometimes on a cold chilly day he is a real
-comfort; he warms us up with the heat of the brimstone to come."
-
-That Sunday made its mark. It was a red-letter day never to be
-forgotten. My new acquaintance proved to be a philosopher and thinker of
-no ordinary dimensions. He was saturated with the teachings of Socrates,
-Cicero, Marcus Aurelius, and Gibbon, and I suspected he had taken a sly
-glance or two at Lucretius and Voltaire. He had ready for use, at
-command, the essence of the entire teachings of his favorite authors,
-and could quote whole pages from their works.
-
-While we were stretched out upon a bed of dead leaves, looking up
-through the living ones to the open sky above, my faithful companions,
-feeling the quieting influence of the day, were near us, tranquilly
-enjoying the shade, and acting as though taking in a conversation which
-they seemed to understand. As with men we often meet, this silence was
-passing them off for being wiser than they were. My canine companion was
-close to my side with my hand gently resting upon his head, while my
-calico equine friend was enjoying the grateful shade of a broad
-spreading maple, and busying himself with switching away at speculative
-flies in search of opportunities for luxurious dinners.
-
-The satisfactory contentment of the two animals attracted the attention
-of my judicial companion, and he asked me to explain the secret of our
-close companionship. He was surprised when I told him there was no
-secret about it, that I treated my four-footed friends as I would human
-beings; looked after their general welfare, saw that they were
-sufficiently fed with the proper food, talked to them in kindly tones of
-voice, gave them tid-bits now and then that I knew they were fond of,
-patted them approvingly, never scolded or used a whip, and, finally,
-spent a great deal of my time in their company. I further explained that
-intellectually I regarded them as being on a plane with children--to be
-looked after, to be kindly treated, and to have their mental faculties
-developed to the full extent of the separate capacity of each, and, that
-by pursuing such a course, we could obtain the best service and an
-amount of affection and companionship that would amply recompense us for
-all of our trouble.
-
-"Well," he exclaimed, "this is all news to me! There is logic and good
-sound sense in your whole scheme, and it's strange I never thought of it
-before. You have studied the subject of intellectual development in
-animals and gotten something out of it I had never dreamed of. Ever
-since I have been able to think my head has been filled with common law,
-Court decisions, and the Statute in such case made and provided, and I
-have had but little time, and, possibly, less disposition, to indulge in
-sentiment. I suppose you know the people of your native state well
-enough to appreciate their strong and weak points. The Vermonter, as a
-rule, does not waste any time upon sentimentality; he is too busy
-digging out a living from these old hills and from between the rocks for
-those dependent upon him to waste much time cultivating the sentimental
-side. He is quite apt to take the utilitarian view of most earthly
-matters. His horse he regards as a useful animal, to be well fed and
-comfortably housed in order to prolong his usefulness as much as
-possible; and his dog he looks upon as a useless companion--not worthy
-of respect, comfortable lodging, or good food, unless he earns all three
-by bringing up the cows at night and chasing all marauders from grain
-and planted fields during the day. Your side of the animal question is a
-new one, and I am going to commence operations upon my faithful
-burden-carrier as soon as we reach the stable. I'd be mightily pleased
-to have him walk along with me and put his velvety nose against my face
-as I have seen your calico friend do with you. All men, all real men,
-properly put together, are fond of being loved, and are willing to take
-it in wholesale doses, and a little dog and horse--when the women are
-not around--thrown in to fill between the chinks, helps to make a
-perfect whole. We men are a careless, selfish lot, who leave mothers,
-sisters, wives, daughters, and dogs and horses to do the most of the
-loving, and accept it as a matter of right, without making the returns
-which are their due. They trudge along in silence, giving us their
-affection, and work on, chiefly for us, when they ought to kick. In
-giving me this Sunday lesson you have opened up a new lead in my
-make-up, and I intend to explore it until I develop a new deposit of
-humanity, and I'll commence by stealing a lump of sugar for 'Old Whitey'
-the next time I leave the tavern table, and, instead of having it
-charged in the bill, I'll open a new account, and credit my first theft
-to the cause of animal development."
-
-The next morning I parted from my judicial acquaintance, he volunteering
-the promise to write and let me know the result of his new experiment
-among the inhabitants of the barnyard. During the night he had "analyzed
-the whole business," and arrived at the conclusion that there were other
-dumb creatures besides dogs and horses worthy of cultivating. The much
-neglected and despised pig, he proposed, with apparent humorous
-sincerity, to take in hand, and make a special effort to reform his
-manners and cultivate his mental faculties. He argued that human society
-was responsible for "downing the pig." It is a question of "mad dog!"
-over again, he declared. "Some one in the far-off past had said the hog
-was a filthy beast, and without stopping to inquire, everybody else had
-joined in the cry. My mission is to do away with this unreasonable
-prejudice, and to elevate to his proper social and intellectual position
-among the animals of the earth my much abused and unappreciated porcine
-friend." These were his jovial parting words, and, with them ringing in
-my ears, the trio made the morning start for the last day of the
-outward-bound part of the excursion.
-
-A thirty miles ride carried us to one of the oldest villages in the
-northern part of the State--not far from the Canada line. One long
-street, made up of the blacksmith, shoemaker, and tinshop; a dry goods
-"Emporium," a tavern--"The Farmers' Home"--and the usual number of
-churches, with a doctor's shop, and a few dwellings thrown in, here and
-there, to fill up the intervals between the more important
-structures--made, with a good supply of shade-trees, an attractive
-village. Of course the buildings were all square and white, and the
-blinds were all green, and they were placed as near the road as
-possible, but notwithstanding these faults of form, color, and position,
-constituting crimes against Nature, the whole was fairly attractive. Do
-what they will to offend and deface the beauties of New England, and
-especially Vermont nature, the Philistines who inhabit its picturesque
-valleys cannot destroy the beautiful ever-varying outlines of its hills
-or the restful repose of its summer days. They have managed to slaughter
-its forests and to dry up its limpid mountain streams, but, with the
-consummation of those outrages, Nature calls a halt; and the Vandals
-leave off destroying because there is little left to destroy.
-
-The "Farmer's Home" proved to be an attractive family affair. The
-father, mother, son and daughter composed the entire _ménage_, and all
-were equally at home in the duties of their special departments. There
-was a tour of duty for each in the kitchen; but the energetic daughter
-was supreme in the "Dining-hall," where she propelled its affairs with
-mechanical exactitude. Her unwritten motto was: "On time, or cold
-victuals." She was a strict constructionist, and "cl'ared off the
-things" as soon as the last piece of pie had disappeared. But, as the
-English would say, she was not at all a bad sort. She was active,
-inquisitive, quaint, and direct,--had opinions upon all subjects, and
-expressed them freely. I have always believed I was her first serious
-anthropological study. At first, she accepted me with an immense
-qualification. My manifest bias in favor of animals was something new to
-her which she could not comprehend. To her practical mind, the petting
-of a dog and looking after his welfare was a perfect waste of time,
-while paying particular attention to the wants and care of a horse was
-something not to be thought of. I saw she was rapidly filling up to the
-bursting point with curiosity, but was too shy to ask the direct
-questions which she was anxious to put to me. As soon as occasion
-offered, I felt it my duty to give her an opportunity to free her mind,
-and, sitting out the rest of the "boarders" at my last "supper,"
-presented an opening for the point of the wedge to enter. By way of
-introduction, I mentioned my regrets at being compelled to leave the
-next morning.
-
-"All the folks around here," she frankly said, "will be sorry to hear
-it; you ain't like anybody else we've ever had in this town, at least
-sence I can remember. Father and Tom, and all the rest of 'em that's
-been watching of you, say you care more for critters than you do for
-human folks, and I think so too; ever sence I heard you talk to that dog
-of yourn I couldn't make you out. We never had anything like that up
-here before, and one of the store fellers told me yesterday he thought
-you were one of them New York City chaps a little off, that had come on
-this ride for your health, and yit you talk sense about anything else
-except them critters of yourn, and that's what puzzles the folks--to
-think that such a smart feller as you 'pear to be, should be clear gone
-off when you get to talking to the critters. And then there ain't any
-sense in it, any way; you can talk to dogs and hosses all your life and
-never git an answer. They are dumb beasts, that's all they be, and you
-can't make 'em folks if you try a thousand years. I'll bet anything you
-ain't got a wife. If you had, you wouldn't be talking all this nonsense
-to critters all the time; if you had one worth a cent, you'd stay to
-home and talk to her, and let the critters take care of themselves, same
-as other folks do. Nothing like a good wife to take such wrinkles out of
-a man's head! Why don't you get married anyway? Right here in this town
-there are a lot of first-rate girls, better educated than I be, been to
-the high-school, and got as good learning as any of the city women, all
-dying to git married, and you can take your choice right here now. If
-you had one of our nice girls you wouldn't need to have that darn fool
-of a dog round all the time for company."
-
-The latter part of this mind-freeing was earnest and emphatic, and I
-discovered between the spoken lines the true cause of the outburst. It
-was as clear as the noonday sun that she had a very poor opinion of an
-individual who preferred the company of a dog to the fascinations of
-fair woman, and she had made up her mind to let me know what she
-thought.
-
-I ignored the nice girl part of the argument, and startled her by asking
-if she were a Christian. "'Spose I am, I try to be. I don't know much
-about it anyhow. What makes you ask such an all-fired silly question?
-All the folks round here are Christians; we ain't heathens any mor'n
-city folks."
-
-"Then it follows as a matter of course, you being a Christian, that you
-believe the Creator made Heavens and the earth and all things therein,
-and you do not believe he made anything in vain. All of his creations we
-see or know anything of were made for a purpose. The domestic animals
-were intended for the use of human beings, and upon the list of those
-the horse stands first, because he is the most intelligent of the purely
-useful animals; but the dog is far ahead of him in every respect save
-physical power. His intelligence is of a high order, which entitles him
-to our respect, and he is the only animal that will leave his kind to
-associate with man; and there are thousands of instances recorded of his
-having sacrificed his life for those he loved. No other animal has ever
-been known to do that. The elephant, with his admitted capacity for
-acute reasoning, never defends his master unless ordered; on the
-contrary, he seldom misses an opportunity to kill those who have injured
-or offended him. The dog never does this; he bears no malice, and
-forgets and forgives injuries inflicted by those he loves, neither does
-he know distinction of condition or rank. He knows you are his master or
-mistress, and whether you are prince or peasant it matters not. The
-palace or the garret are the same to him, provided a kind master is to
-be found in either, and he shares with his master the feast or the crust
-with equal pleasure. The noble dog possesses the highest qualities. He
-gives you his loyal affection without reserve, never deceives you, and
-is true even unto death, and I hold we are indebted to him for giving us
-all that is good in his nature, for, the better you treat him, the more
-his fine qualities come to the surface. Am I not right?"
-
-"Well, I swan; you've taken the breath all out of my body; I never heard
-such talk before. I don't know what to say, and I can't dispute you.
-You've got the whole thing by heart and let it out just like one of them
-revival exhorters that comes along here every once in a while. You've
-said a lot about animals I never heard before or thought of; nobody
-round here ever talks about 'em like you do. Why, you put the dog way up
-head of folks. From what you say, he's ten times as decent as most men,
-and, if he could only talk, he would show us he could spell hard words
-and do the meanest sums in the 'rithmetic. At any rate, if dogs and
-horses and other sich like are as smart as you say they are, they ain't
-got no feelings like we have--ain't got sense enough to be sensitive and
-take on about pain and suffering like we do. You can't make me b'leve
-any sich stuff as that anyhow."
-
-This is the point usually made by those who have never seriously
-considered the true nature and physical structure of animals. A cursory
-examination would prove to the most careless observer, that the organs
-and various parts of the human organization are duplicated in the
-animals, especially in those of the domestic sort. The two points of
-difference are in form of body and the four legs given to the lower
-orders instead of two. The heart, lungs, bones, muscles, nerves,
-blood-vessels and brain are in each about the same. In the animal, for
-want of speech, the power of the brain is an unknown quantity, and the
-absence of that faculty of giving expression to thought constitutes the
-greatest difference between the species. Give the higher of the lower
-animals the power of speech, and possibly some men would take rank as
-the lower animal.
-
-All this I explained to my audience of one, and, in addition, asserted
-that a cruel punishment of a physical nature inflicted upon a human
-being, if bestowed upon a dog, a horse or an ox would produce the same
-amount of pain and suffering. If whipping is painless, why do all
-animals who have once been whipped jump aside and try to dodge the whip
-they see flourishing in the hands of those near them? The answer is,
-fear of pain. There is no other explanation of their action. Schoolboys
-dread the birch and ferule of the schoolmaster no more than a horse or
-an ox fears and dreads the whip of a driver.
-
-"I declare this is all news to me," my rural friend replied, "and you
-really have set me to thinking. I guess we ought to treat all sorts of
-animals, including the human, better than we do. I've been going to
-meeting sence I was old enough to go alone, and I never heard a minister
-say anything about loving animals and treating them decently--kinder
-like folks--do a lot of good if they did--'spose they think they ain't
-paid for that sort of business and 'ave got all they can do to save the
-souls of sinners."
-
-This was the last attempt at pure missionary work in behalf of the lower
-orders. The pleasure part of the excursion was about to end, and on the
-morning of the morrow the business of returning to the starting point
-was to commence in earnest. The return was made by a short series of
-long days' work, commencing early in the morning, running well into the
-day, with rest in the middle, starting off again late in the afternoon,
-and extending well into the evening. In three days the return was
-finished, the whole excursion had lasted nearly three weeks--three
-joyous weeks, never again to be duplicated.
-
-The most pleasurable hours of the little tour came from the association
-with my four-footed servants and companions. The gradual unfolding of
-their intelligence and the rapid development of their affection were
-never-failing sources of pleasure. Towards the last my calico horse
-would leave his feed, no matter how fascinating to his taste the oats
-might be, to be in my society, and the watchful dog was never away from
-my side, night or day. At first he shared the stable with his companion,
-but soon after, whenever he was ordered out for the night, his anxious,
-silent pleadings became so tender and touching that I could not
-withstand them, and I consented to his sharing my room with me. At first
-he had the natural dog habit of rising at an inconveniently early hour,
-but after being admonished of the irregularity of his behavior, he would
-remain quiet until ordered out for his morning exercise.
-
-Never before or since had I been blessed with more sincere and
-disinterested friends--always anxious to serve and, seemingly, perfectly
-happy only when in my society.
-
-Within a week after our return came the final parting between us, and I
-have never had more stings of conscience than I felt when closing the
-door of the little paradise my confiding friends were never to enter
-again. I parted with them in sorrow, filled with anxiety for their
-future, as well I might have been, for early the ensuing autumn my
-calico friend became again a "circus horse" and was heard of no more,
-and the other resumed the role of "nobody's dog" and went down to his
-soulless (?) finality wishing, beyond all doubt, for another taste of
-his lost paradise.
-
-
-During the whole of the winter of 1862 and 1863, I was in camp with my
-command at Falmouth, in front of Fredericksburg. The army was resting
-after the colossal and tragic fiasco at Fredericksburg to recover a new
-supply of strength and courage for the encounter with unknown blunders
-to come; and, aside from doing as many drills as the mud would permit,
-consuming rations and drawing pay, there was little to do. The winter
-proved to be a period of weary inactivity, with no crowns of victory in
-sight.
-
-Late one stormy afternoon in the month of January, 1863, the orderly
-announced a civilian stranger who desired an interview. He told the
-orderly that his name was of no consequence and that his business was
-personal. Upon his entering my tent, I discovered a complete embodiment
-of limp weariness and sorrow, a palpable wreck of something better in
-the past.
-
-Upon being seated, he said: "I 'spose you don't know me? Well, I don't
-blame you much, I've so changed since then; we've had a great sorrow
-since your dog and horse scart that drove of cattle into the oats. Now I
-b'leve you remember, but you'd never guess I'm the same man, would you?"
-
-I had to answer that the change was very great, and asked the cause.
-
-"That's partly what I am here for," he replied. "You see, when the war
-first broke out, George, our oldest, you must remember him, a silent,
-good and thoughtful boy, was at the high school. All Vermont was alive
-with the right sort of feeling, and all the men and boys--and some of
-the women, I guess,--wanted to shoulder arms and go. We were expecting
-all the time to hear that George was going, but hoped the other way, and
-finally one morning in June he got out of the stage with his whole kit
-of books and clothes, and told his mother, whose eyes had already filled
-with tears, that he had come home to go; that all the big boys of the
-school had held a meeting, and agreed to enlist in the 'Third,' and he
-was going with them. Well, I thought his mother would sink into the
-ground then and there, but she didn't. George, you know, was her
-favorite. He was always a reliable, duty-loving boy. She wiped her eyes,
-took him in her arms, and, while her heart was breaking, kissed him, and
-said: 'I 'spose you ought to go where right and your country calls, but
-it will be awful hard for me to part with you. I don't know how I'm
-going to live with you in danger.' The week he spent with us, I tell
-you, it was like a great shadow in that old house. His mother kept
-about, but her heart was breaking with terrible forebodings, and her
-eyes were always filling with tears. When he had stayed his week out,
-the last at the old home, we all drove over with him to the recruiting
-station, and saw him sign his name to the roll of Company ----, Third
-Regiment, Vermont Volunteers, 'for three years, or during the war.' In
-three weeks the regiment left for the field; we went over to see him
-off, and he was the only happy one of the family. We were filled with
-unspeakable sadness; we saw them march away, and, as the old flag
-disappeared round the corner of the road, his mother fainted, and fell
-into my arms. She never saw a well day after that, but kind of lived on
-like a machine, taking no interest in anything but the newspapers
-bringing news from the war.
-
-"George was just as good a boy in the army as he had always been at
-home, wrote encouraging letters to his mother, filled with ideas about
-duty, patriotism, and all that. But it did no good. She had made up her
-mind she would never see him again, and, although alive, he was as good
-as dead almost to her. When the Winter ended, the Vermont troops went
-with the army to Yorktown, and then came the dreadful 16th of
-April--Lees' Mills. Three days after the fight some one sent a Boston
-paper to us, which gave the news of the first advance having been made
-by Companies ---- and ---- of the Third, and the terrible slaughter of
-the men, but gave no names. His mother knew her son was killed, and two
-days later a letter from his Captain told us how well he had done his
-duty, and how bravely he had died. The strain was more than she could
-bear, she took to her bed, and at the end of five weeks we buried them
-side by side, and my happiness along with them. Now do you see why I've
-changed?"
-
-After a slight pause, he resumed: "I forgot to tell you,--the other boy,
-the one who talked to you about the meeting-house steeple five hundred
-feet high, enlisted in the same company as soon as he got old enough, is
-sick in the hospital here now, and I want to take him back home, and
-that's what I'm here about. I want you to help me to get him out of the
-Army. He was a new recruit when he saw his brother killed, and hasn't
-been well since. You know he never was a strong boy, but he would go to
-war to be with George. He wouldn't consent to his brother facing danger
-all the time, while he was safe at home. He's all I've got left, except
-my old father, who can't last much longer, and they tell me if I can get
-you to go with me to General ---- he'll order his discharge."
-
-The sad story--one of many I had heard, touched me deeply. But I could
-offer no consolation, such wounds as his were too deep to be reached by
-words. All I could do was to change the current of sad thoughts and
-extend the meagre hospitalities of the camp. Then the ride to the field
-hospital, the interview with the once bright, happy boy I had seen seven
-years before, now with the seal of death implanted upon his beautiful,
-honest and manly face, then to headquarters, the handing over of his
-discharge, and then the parting, with heavy heart, from one whose burden
-of sorrow I had been able to lighten.
-
-Opportunities to do these acts of kindness for those kindred of the
-fallen, whose hearts were overburdened with mighty sorrows, were about
-the only rays of sunshine which ever invaded the tent life of those
-whose responsibilities were often more burdensome than the sorrows of
-others, which they were so often called upon to assuage.
-
-In the summer of 1865, during another visit to my native town, a longing
-came over me to revisit the scene of the accident to the oats, and I
-searched in vain for two companions to take the places of those of
-twelve years before. But, so far as I could ascertain, there was not a
-known saddle horse in the county, and the race of nobody's dogs had gone
-quite out of fashion; so I was compelled to adopt the "buggy," and,
-along with it, between its "fills," a lively and "spunky" little
-specimen of a Vermont Morgan, that learned after the first hours of
-driving that there was a kind friend holding the reins, and with whom,
-from that moment, cordial relations were established. A very easy drive
-carried me to the "old home," about noon of the second day, and, as I
-drove up to the door, a kindly faced, frank-mannered woman of middle age
-came out of the house, and asked me to alight, hitch, and walk in. As I
-entered I asked where they all were? "Who do you mean by all?" queried
-my hostess. I answered, "The C----s who lived here twelve years ago."
-
-She took me to an open window, and, pointing to the top of a "Meeting
-House" spire that came just above the point of a rise in the ground,
-said: "Just at the bottom of that steeple you'll find them all, save my
-uncle C----, the grandfather of the boys; they are all buried there,
-and, if you want to renew your acquaintance with them, you'll have to go
-over there to do it. I'm the old maid of the whole family, and taught
-school until I came here right after Cousin George's death--he was the
-last of the four--to take care of uncle, who was awfully broken up, and
-is to this day. I guess nothing but death will ever mend his broken
-heart. He wanders about with no object in life, always wishing for the
-end to come. He's out in the fields somewhere; he will be here pretty
-soon and awful glad to see you. It seems to me he only cares now for
-those who knew the four who lie buried over there. He lives in the past
-altogether, and takes no interest in the present or future."
-
-A walk of five minutes through a meadow to a group of maples brought me
-to the spot where I found, reclining beneath the shades, my acquaintance
-of other days. At first he did not recognize me, and was a little
-offish, but gradually became interested, and at last came to me with
-both hands extended and with eyes filled with tears:
-
-"I didn't know ye at first, but I oughter have known that voice
-anywhere. Your animals scart the drove into the oats, but you were so
-good to us afterward. If it hadn't been for you, 'Vin' would have died
-in that ere hospital, for he didn't live long after we got him home. Oh,
-he was sich a comfort to us while he did live. I shall never forgit the
-last days; and may God spare me from ever goin' through any more like
-'em."
-
-While we were walking toward the house, I learned that Vincent, the
-youngest boy, lived five weeks after he was brought home; that the
-father died the next autumn, and, although nearly three years had passed
-since the culmination of the "Great Sorrow," the atmosphere seemed
-impregnated with it. The want of signs of life and movement without, and
-the evidence of long continued quiet and order within, told as plainly
-as words the story of an all-absorbing grief.
-
-During the dinner, the incidents of the oats, the conversation with
-"Vin" about the steeple, his desire to trade for the "Kaliker" horse,
-and all that was said upon the occasion of our first meeting, was
-rehearsed, without a single item being omitted. The meal finished, there
-came the walk to the "Meeting House Burying Ground," where I saw the
-seven simple headstones standing for four generations. The first to Mary
-Gale, wife of G. C.; the second to "George C., a soldier of the
-Revolutionary War, born at Old Middlebury, Mass., June 12, 1756, died in
-this town, March 7, 1833;" next to him came his daughter-in-law; then a
-vacant space for his son--the second George, and then the graves of the
-other four of the third and fourth generation.
-
-I have seen men stand in such a presence without being moved, but I
-could never quite understand how they did it. Upon this occasion
-something got into my throat, and I could not speak; something else
-filled both eyes, and I had to turn away to conceal a weakness which I
-could not control.
-
-As I turned toward my companions, the elder, pointing to the line
-exclaimed; "Pretty soon there'll be four generations of Georges in this
-lot, and that's about all there is to it, I guess. There couldn't be any
-design in takin' all of 'em from me in so short a time. A merciful God
-wouldn't have done such a cruel thing; if a kind God had had anything to
-do with it, he would let some of 'em outlive me to have been a comfort
-in my old age and to have kept the old place where we were all born in
-the family name. No, I don't b'leve in sich kindness; all of 'em ought
-to have lived; they were jest as good as they could be, not one of 'em
-ever told a lie or did a mean thing as long as they lived. Then if they
-were so good, as they were, and nobody can dispute it, why were they all
-taken away from me so soon, and so many mean critters, good for nothing
-to nobody, allowed to live? No, the ministers may talk to me from now to
-the end of eternity, that their God, if he really does sich cruelties,
-is merciful, and I won't b'leve 'em. It's all nonsense to murder a man
-alive and break his old heart and call it merciful and all for the best.
-There is no mercy or best about it, it's all wrong from beginnin' to
-end, and I don't b'leve the heathen's god or anybody's God could be so
-cruel and unjust.
-
-"My father battled from Bunker Hill 'till the last Red Coat had left the
-land and then came here and began a new battle with the virgin forests
-of Vermont. And ever sence I was born and old enough to work, my sweat
-has watered this soil so dear to all of us. There's not a foot of the
-cleared part of this old farm I have not worked over, and the whole of
-it is as sacred in my eyes as if it were a lordly estate handed down
-from scores of generations before me. The boys loved it as I do and
-liked to work over it. Now what does it all amount to? In a short time
-when I have passed over yender to join the rest on 'em, the old place
-will go into the hands of unfeeling strangers who'll care no more about
-it than savages. Most likely they'll rob the soil and skin it of the
-last spear of grass, and all these noble old trees that have been my
-friends sence I was a boy, will be cut down to feed the nearest sawmill.
-It's astonishing, how mean most folks act toward natur! They treat her
-as though she had no rights and forgit all about the good things she
-gives us. But I suppose there is no good in sentiment if God is agin
-ye."
-
-His niece interrupted him gently: "Come away, uncle, you are nervous and
-excited and saying too much."
-
-"No, I'm not nervous or excited; I'm saying what I b'leve, and I want
-everybody to know it. Look at those graves holding all I had in the
-world, and no one had better, and then tell me if I have no cause to
-complain?"
-
-
-
-
-                           TIM THE DISSIPATED
-
-
-Very late in the year 1848--Christmas day, to be exact--I found myself
-in New Orleans, bankrupt in health and looking forward, hopelessly, to a
-seemingly not far off culmination of my earthly affairs. But, owing to
-the possession of a strong constitution, the good offices of kind
-friends, and careful medical treatment, I was enabled to disappoint the
-prophets and to evade the undertaker. By the time I had regained my
-feet, the balmy days of March had come around, and I improved the
-opportunity to make my duty-calls upon the kind-hearted friends who had
-taken an active interest in the welfare of a stranger who had been cast
-upon their shores. I found them wonderfully to my liking, generous,
-cordial, and frank, to a degree I had never dreamed of.
-
-It was fortunate for me that I happened to become a denizen of that
-interesting old city during one of its better periods. Socially it was
-at high-water mark; the theatres were good and the French opera the
-better of all outside of Paris. In the winter it was the rendezvous for
-the well-to-do families of the whole far South. The rich cotton planters
-from Tennessee, Mississippi, and Alabama, and the sugar planters from
-along the "coast" came to this Southern metropolis, and brought with
-them their pretty daughters with their velvety voices, unaffected
-speech, garnished with its tint of African accent, and their frank,
-disingenuous ways; and also came their sons, who were not so
-fascinating, but were good fellows at heart--the majority of them--and,
-as a rule, save for one weakness, they were all right. But they had the
-unpleasant habit of "drawing at sight," and to the credit of their
-alertness, I am compelled to record that they were apt to see very
-quick.
-
-The presence of a large colony of well-to-do planters assisted to make
-New Orleans a very attractive winter resort. But they were not more
-given to pleasure than the average citizen of the place, who, as a rule,
-did not take life very seriously. He was in business, but not its slave,
-and each day brought with it its pleasurable recreation. With their
-peculiar and novel ways they were, to me, a revelation; the community
-made up of them seemed almost ideal, and had it not been for the
-presence of the slave and the slave market, the old French city, in its
-relation to a certain select few, could have passed for a kind of brick
-and mortar Arcadia.
-
-Among the favorite recreations of that period was a drive down the shell
-road to Lake Ponchartrain, where there was a famous afternoon resort
-kept by Capt. Dan Hicox, a once famous "Captain on the Lakes," a teller
-of good stories and fabricator of the best fish and game dinners and
-suppers to be found in the whole South. To say that his establishment
-was popular would give but a faint idea of the real conditions. Of a
-pleasant afternoon, in certain seasons of the year, nearly all that was
-jolliest and brightest in New Orleans society could be found sitting
-upon the captain's piazzas, enjoying the breezes of the lake, which were
-usually tempered with something taken through a straw or drawn from the
-upper end of a bottle recently from the ice-chest.
-
-In addition to the usual attractions of such a resort, there was a
-circular pen with a pole planted in the centre of it to which was
-attached a certain two-thirds grown specimen of the common American
-black bear. When the merest mite of a cub he had been captured in the
-wilds of Michigan, and afterwards sent to "Captain Dan" as a present by
-one of his old friends of the lakes.
-
-"Tim" was a great pet and altogether comical. He found a comic side to
-every incident which came under his observation, and, seemingly, never
-had a serious thought or an unhappy moment. It might be said of him that
-he was reared in luxury, for during his infancy he had a pleasant corner
-of the bar-room for his abode, where he became the pet of the patrons
-and the recipient of all kinds of good things from the larder, with now
-and then a taste from the bottle arranged in a way to fit his appetite,
-and very much to his liking.
-
-In the interests of truthful history, it must be recorded that "Tim,"
-within a short time after his first julep, became enamored of the
-bottle, and, very much after the manner of the old style Southern
-bar-room tippler, would watch the patrons of the bar, looking wistfully
-into their faces for an invitation to "smile." At the beginning of his
-career as an habitual drinker, it took about six or seven "treats" to
-put him in a state of good-natured inebriation. When in that condition,
-he was the incarnation of animal happiness; lying upon his back with all
-four feet in the air, head to one side, tongue half out of his wide-open
-mouth, with eyes half closed, he was the perfect personification of good
-nature and indifference to earthly happenings. Kings might rule the
-world, but Tim's happiness was supreme. He envied no other bear, and if
-a tree trunk filled with the most delicious honey had been within easy
-reach he would not have raised a paw for a barrel of it. The things of
-this world troubled him not, and he possessed only one phase of the
-great passion of avarice--he always, when sober, wanted enough strong
-drink to make him happy. He had the appetite of the habitual human
-drunkard, but, when in his cups, differed from his human _confrère_ in
-one important particular; he was good natured and kind and never
-quarrelsome or cruel like the human brute in a similar condition.
-
-Sometimes, when he was floored, a friend would try to coax him to
-another drink by temptingly placing a well-filled glass near his nose,
-an invitation that would generally excite in him an effort to rise and a
-very comical and unsteady attempt to follow the lead of the disappearing
-glass; usually he would wobble over, but would right himself enough to
-sit up and gaze intently after the fascinating beverage beyond his
-reach. In respect to demeanor or quantity, he was quite human; he never
-knew he was making a beast of himself, or when he had enough. I do not
-pretend to say that Tim's habits of drink were not reprehensible; for
-the purposes of this true story he must have the blame. It was certainly
-not the fault of his master; he simply suffered the usual penalty of
-having too many thoughtless and convivial friends.
-
-In course of time, Tim became quite a bear, altogether too large for a
-bar-room pet, and was removed to a specially prepared pen and chained to
-a pole with a platform rest at the top. The change for Tim was not a
-success. He spent his time in running around and climbing up and down
-his pole, all the time whining, pleading, and scolding; he grew thin,
-and looked and acted as though he regarded life as a failure.
-Occasionally, a friend, pitying his unhappy condition, would unchain him
-and lead him to his old haunt. In fact, it was nearly impossible to lead
-him in any other direction. As soon as released from his pole he would
-start for the bar-room, dragging his friend with him, nor would he stop
-until he reached his favorite room, when, standing up with his hands on
-the counter, he would mumble out in his most intelligible bear-language
-a peremptory demand for a drink. Sometimes he was indulged to an extent
-which would enable him to catch a glimpse of his lost paradise, but
-usually he was returned to his pen after having disposed of only enough
-of his favorite beverage to give him an appetite for more.
-
-It had often been suggested that if Tim could have a congenial
-occupation his grief for his lost liberty would not be so acute.
-Accidentally, an employment for all his spare time was forced upon him.
-
-One day, during a great thunderstorm, when the wind was blowing strong
-from the east, a small alligator, about six feet long, was carried by a
-wave to a part of the piazza near where I was sitting. He undertook to
-get back into the lake with the receding water, but, being determined to
-detain him, I caught him by the end of the tail. Within half of a second
-the problem of extremes meeting was solved. As soon as he felt my hold
-he doubled himself around, brought his jaws to-together with a savage
-snap, and came within an infinitesimal measure of catching my hand. By
-that time my blood was up, and I made up my mind to effect a capture of
-my belligerent caller. With the use of a strong chair for a weapon, I
-succeeded in preventing his return to the lake. Soon assistance with a
-rope arrived, and a tight-drawn noose around the upper jaw did the rest.
-"De 'gater swished dat tail a' his awfully Massa, but we done got him
-sure," was the announcement that conveyed to "Captain Dan" the
-information that he was the owner of a "'gater." Our captive was put in
-a safe place for the night, and the next morning what to do with him
-became the burning question.
-
-After considerable discussion a valuable suggestion came from one of the
-colored spectators. He said: "I reckon if dat 'gater and Tim had a
-chance dey'd make fust-rate frens inside a week." A unanimous vote
-approved of the proposition, and in five minutes "de 'gater was in de
-pen" and the gate closed.
-
-It was Tim's custom whenever he heard company approaching his place of
-abode to meet them at the threshold. Upon this occasion, as usual, he
-was ready to bestow the hospitalities of his establishment, but the
-manner of his receiving was neither urbane nor graceful. His front door
-was suddenly opened and an unwelcome guest unceremoniously thrust upon
-the hospitality of the unsuspecting Tim, who was wholly unprepared for
-such a visitor. It was his first experience with a Saurian. He had never
-seen one before, and it took only a second for him to make up his mind
-to pass the act of non-intercourse. He scampered to his pole and climbed
-to his platform at the top, where, during the next twenty-four hours, he
-remained an anxious and frightened observer.
-
-The new arrangement was no more satisfactory to the guest than to the
-host. He missed his shore promenades and bathing accommodations; could
-not imagine why he was shut up in a small enclosure, and spent his first
-day and night in searching for an opening large enough for him to crawl
-through. By noon of his second day of confinement he gave up his
-fruitless search and settled down to a midday repose.
-
-Tim, weary with anxious watching, seeing his opportunity for an
-investigation, cautiously descended to the ground, and noiselessly
-approached near enough to his guest to reach him with a front paw; then,
-for several minutes, he sat upon his haunches and made a very careful
-diagnosis of the case before him and came to the conclusion that it was
-not to his liking, and that he would have no more of it than he could
-help. Acting upon this deliberately formed conclusion, he made a vicious
-grab with both paws at the tail of the unsuspecting Saurian. Great was
-his surprise to find that his victim was very wide awake, indeed, for no
-sooner had he felt the disturbance at his caudal end than he sent his
-open jaws around to ascertain the cause. This sudden flank movement was
-a great surprise to Tim, who experienced considerable difficulty in
-extracting one of his paws from the ample jaws of a "feller" that at
-least one bear could not understand. Tim was not encouraged to another
-investigation at the moment, but re-ascended to his throne, where he
-spent the remainder of the day in licking the wounded paw, casting, now
-and then, malicious glances at his unbidden guest, and concocting plans
-for the future.
-
-The next day was bright and sunny, and brought with it apparent peace to
-the domain of Tim. The Saurian was calmly reposing in the sunshine, and
-Tim was doing his best thinking. He had not quite decided as to the
-manner of proceeding, but upon one point he had made up his mind. There
-was to be no middle way. His enemy was to be conquered and the savage
-attack upon his paw avenged. With his mind then fully made up he
-descended for a second investigation and another possible attack. This
-time his approach was doubly guarded, and he was particularly careful in
-calculating the distance between his position and the jaws which had
-given him such an unpleasant surprise.
-
-After a deliberate survey of the situation, Tim made a sudden spring to
-the side of his enemy, caught him under his chest, and turned him upon
-his back. This side attack was unexpected and a perfect success, and the
-reptile had an active and prolonged struggle to regain his natural
-position. Tim watched the struggle with intense interest, seeming to be
-happy in knowing that he held the key to the situation. From that time
-on, his guest during the daylight hours had no peace. Whenever Tim had
-an opportunity, he turned him over, and, when not engaged in that
-diversion, he was chasing him around the enclosure. About one month of
-such an existence brought the Saurian very near to his end. From a most
-healthy and vigorous "'gater" at the time he was caught he had become
-weak, weary and lank; so forlorn was his lamentable condition that he
-excited the sympathy of some human friend, who, during the night, opened
-the gate to the pen. The following morning the persecuted reptile was
-nowhere to be found. From that moment Tim became his former self,
-watched anxiously at the gate for the coming of friends, and pleaded
-pertinaciously for the intoxicating beverage.
-
-The summer and greater part of the autumn after the "'gater" incident, I
-spent at the Mississippi Springs, and, while there, received a letter
-from a friend, who, next to myself, was the most ardent admirer Tim ever
-had. It was the last word relating to my comical four-footed intimate,
-and I cannot close this truthful narration more appropriately than by
-quoting from it:
-
-"You will sympathize with me in our mutual loss. Probably, we have seen
-the last of our old friend Tim; he departed from his well scratched pole
-about two weeks ago, and is now on the road as an important item in 'The
-Most Colossal Show Ever Known.' He had grown so large, and his appetite
-for strong drink had increased to such an alarming extent, that the
-attending darkies lost confidence in their ability to handle him. During
-his later days at the Lake, he appeared to have but one idea, and that
-related to opportunities for intoxication. Whenever his pen door opened,
-no matter for what purpose, he would make a rush for whoever came in,
-and demand to be led to the bar-room, and, if disappointed, would make a
-most furious demonstration.
-
-"'Captain Dan' was immensely attached to him, but felt that the time had
-arrived when some disposition must be made of him. The menagerie at
-Algiers was the opportunity. A bargain was struck, and the time fixed
-for his departure.
-
-"'Captain Dan' decided to give him a regular 'Fourth of July' send-off,
-and, to that end, invited a few of his most intimate friends and
-admirers to be present at the performance. The guests were assembled,
-and Tim was released from his pole. He made a tremendous rush for the
-open bar-room door dragging two stalwart Africans after him at a
-break-neck pace. He went direct to his old corner where he found a large
-tin pan filled with a milk-punch such as he had never tasted before. He
-emptied it in short order and then, taking it between his paws, sat up,
-licked the last reminiscence of the punch out of it, and in a few
-moments became the most comical object imaginable. In fact he was never
-known to be more funny. He was laughed at, poked with sticks, had his
-ears pulled, but all to no purpose; he was too happy to be offended. He
-made a few efforts to stand erect and to appear sober and dignified, but
-ended each attempt by rolling over upon his back a helpless lump of limp
-intoxication.
-
-"In that condition, our old friend was bundled into a box on wheels, and
-made ready for his departure to the new life. Before going we all shook
-him by the paw, patted his head, and wished him a happy future, and, as
-he disappeared in the distance, there was a general expression of regret
-that we had seen the last of poor Tim. 'Captain Dan's' lip trembled, and
-I feel sure if he had had it to do over again, he wouldn't have done
-it."
-
-This parting with Tim proved to be the end of his connection with the
-friends of his babyhood and youth: none of them so far as I know, ever
-saw him again.
-
-Possibly a little bit of a lesson may be shown from the simple life
-described. Tim, no doubt, came of decent parents of good habits and
-morals, and in his downfall, there was no question of heredity involved.
-In his infancy he was placed within easy reach of the temptations of the
-bowl, and so, in his manhood, became as much of a victim to strong drink
-as his surrounding circumstances would permit. Therefore, the inference
-is, if he had not been tempted, there would have been no fall, and Tim
-would have led a sober life and have been a respectable member of bear
-society, provided human beings had left him in the home intended for his
-race.
-
-His degradation, like that of the North American Indian, came from
-contact with our superior Western civilization.
-
-
-
-
-                           CARLO, THE SOLDIER
-
-
-The Ninth New York Volunteers was organized in April, 1861, in the City
-of New York. Two of its companies were extra-territorial. C was composed
-of men from Hoboken and Paterson, New Jersey, and G marched into the
-regimental headquarters fully organized from the town of Fort Lee in
-that State. With this last named company came "Carlo," the subject of
-this sketch.
-
-When he joined the regiment, he had passed beyond the period of
-puppy-hood and was in the full flush of dogly beauty. He was large, not
-very large,--would probably have turned the scales at about fifty
-pounds. His build was decidedly "stocky," and, as horsey men would say,
-his feet were well under him; his chest was broad and full, back
-straight, color a warm dark brindle, nose and lips very black, while he
-had a broad, full forehead and a wonderful pair of large, round, soft,
-dark-brown eyes. Add to this description an air of supreme, well-bred
-dignity, and you have an idea of one of the noblest animals that ever
-lived. His origin was obscure; one camp rumor asserted that he was born
-on board of a merchant ship while his mother was making a passage from
-Calcutta to New York; and another told of a beautiful mastiff living
-somewhere in the State of New Jersey that had the honor of bringing him
-into the world. It would be very interesting to know something of the
-parentage of our hero, but, since the facts surrounding his birth are
-unattainable, we must content ourselves with telling a portion of a
-simple story of a good and noble life. It may be safe to assert that he
-was not a native American; if he had been, he would have provided
-himself with the regulation genealogical tree and family coat-of-arms.
-
-During the first part of his term of service, Carlo was very loyal to
-his Company, marched, messed, and slept with it, but he was not above
-picking up, here and there, from the mess tents of the other Companies a
-tid-bit, now and then, which proved acceptable to a well-appointed
-digestion.
-
-His first tour on guard was performed as a member of the detail from Co.
-G, and always afterward, in the performance of that duty, he was most
-faithful. No matter who else might be late, he was ever on time when the
-call for guard mount was sounded, ready to go out with his own
-particular squad. At first, he would march back to Company quarters with
-the old detail, but, as soon as he came to realize the value and
-importance of guard duty, he made up his mind that his place was at the
-guard tent and on the patrol beat, where he could be of the greatest
-service in watching the movements of the enemy. In the performance of
-his duties as a member of the guard, he was very conscientious and ever
-on the alert. No stray pig, wandering sheep, or silly calf could pass in
-front of his part of the line without being investigated by him. It is
-possible that his vigilance in investigating intruding meats, was
-sharpened by the hope of substantial recognition in the way of a stray
-rib extracted from the marauding offender whose ignorance of army
-customs in time of war had brought their tender "corpuses" too near our
-lines.
-
-As a rule, Carlo, what with his guard duties and other purely routine
-items, managed to dispose of the day until dress parade. At that time he
-appeared at his best, and became the regimental dog. No officer or
-soldier connected with the command more fully appreciated "The pomp and
-circumstance of great and glorious war" than he. As the band marched out
-to take position previous to playing for the Companies to assemble, he
-would place himself alongside the drum-major, and, when the signal for
-marching was given, would move off with stately and solemn tread, with
-head well up, looking straight to the front. Upon those great occasions,
-he fully realized the dignity of his position, and woe betide any
-unhappy other dog that happened to get in front of the marching band.
-When upon the parade field, he became, next to the Colonel, the
-commanding officer, and ever regarded himself as the regulator of the
-conduct of those careless and frivolous dogs, that go about the world
-like the street _gamin_--having no character for respectability or
-position in society to sustain.
-
-Of those careless ne'er-do-wells the regiment had accumulated a very
-large following. As a rule, they were harmless and companionable, and,
-like the inevitable "befo' de wah" Judge and Major, they were always on
-hand ready for a free lunch and drink. It was only at dress parade that
-they made themselves over-officious. Each Company was attended to the
-parade ground by its particular family of canine companions, and, when
-all of them had assembled, the second battalion of the regiment would
-make itself known by a great variety of jumpings, caperings, barks of
-joy, and cries of delight. To this unseasonable hilarity Carlo seriously
-objected, and his demeanor plainly told the story of his disgust at the
-conduct of the silly pates of his race. He usually remained a passive
-observer until the exercise in the manual of arms, at which particular
-period in the ceremonies, the caperings and the barkings would become
-quite unendurable. Our hero would then assume the character of a
-preserver of the peace. He would make for the nearest group of
-revellers, and, in as many seconds, give a half a dozen or more of them
-vigorous shakes, which would set them to howling, and warn the others of
-the thoughtless tribe of an impending danger. Immediately the offenders
-would all scamper to another part of the field, and remain quiet until
-the dress parade was over. This duty was self-imposed and faithfully
-performed upon many occasions. After the parade was dismissed Carlo
-would march back to quarters with his own Company, where he would remain
-until the last daily distribution of rations, whereupon, after having
-disposed of his share, he would start out upon a tour of regimental
-inspection, making friendly calls at various Company quarters and by
-taps turning up at the headquarters of the guard. His duties ended for
-the day, he would enjoy his well-earned rest until reveille, unless some
-event of an unusual nature, occurring during the night, disturbed his
-repose and demanded his attention.
-
-During the first year of his service in the field, Carlo was very
-fortunate. He had shared in all of the transportations by water, in all
-the marchings, skirmishes, and battles, without receiving a scratch or
-having a day's illness. But his good fortune was soon to end, for it was
-ordained that, like other brave defenders, he was to suffer in the great
-cause for which all were risking their lives.
-
-The morning of April 18, 1862, my brigade then stationed at Roanoke
-Island, embarked upon the Steamer Ocean Wave for an expedition up the
-Elizabeth River, the object of which was to destroy the locks of the
-dismal swamp canal in order to prevent several imaginary iron-clads from
-getting into Albemarle Sound, where we had assembled at that time what
-was known as a "Pasteboard Fleet," which the supposed iron-clads were to
-destroy.
-
-Among the first to embark was the ever ready and faithful Carlo, and the
-next morning, when his companions disembarked near Elizabeth City, he
-was one of the first to land, and, during the whole of the long and
-dreary march of thirty miles to Camden Court House, lasting from three
-o'clock in the morning until one in the afternoon, he was ever on the
-alert, but keeping close to his regiment. The field of battle was
-reached: the engagement, in which his command met with a great loss,
-commenced and ended, and, when the particulars of the disaster were
-inventoried, it was ascertained that a cruel Confederate bullet had
-taken the rudimentary claw from Carlo's left fore-leg. This was his
-first wound, and he bore it like a hero without a whine or even a limp.
-A private of Co. G, who first noticed the wound, exclaimed: "Ah, Carlo,
-what a pity you are not an officer! If you were, the loss of that claw
-would give you sixty days leave and a Brigadier-General's Commission at
-the end of it." That was about the time that General's Commissions had
-become very plentiful in the Department of North Carolina.
-
-The Command re-embarked, and reached Roanoke Island the morning after
-the engagement, in time for the regulation "Hospital or Sick Call,"
-which that day brought together an unusual number of patients, and among
-them Carlo, who was asked to join the waiting line by one of the wounded
-men. When his turn came to be inspected by the attending surgeon, he was
-told to hold up the wounded leg, which he readily did, and then followed
-the washing, the application of simple cerate, and the bandaging, with a
-considerable show of interest and probable satisfaction. Thereafter,
-there was no occasion to extend to him an invitation to attend the
-Surgeon's inspection. Each morning, as soon as the bugle call was
-sounded, he would take his place in line with the other patients,
-advance to his turn, and receive the usual treatment. This habit
-continued until the wound was healed. Always, after this, to every
-friendly greeting, he would respond by holding up the wounded leg for
-inspection, and he acted as though he thought that everybody was
-interested in the honorable scar that told the story of patriotic duty
-faithfully performed.
-
-Later on, for some reason known to himself, Carlo transferred his
-special allegiance to Co. K, and maintained close connection with that
-Company until the end of his term of service. He was regarded by its
-members as a member of the Company mess, and was treated as one of them.
-But, notwithstanding his special attachments, there can be no reasonable
-doubt about his having considered himself a member of the regiment,
-clothed with certain powers and responsibilities. At the end of his
-term, he was fitted with a uniform--trousers, jacket, and fez, and, thus
-apparalled, marched up Broadway, immediately behind the band. He was
-soon after mustered out of the service, and received an honorable
-discharge, not signed with written characters, but attested by the
-good-will of every member of the regiment.
-
-If alive to-day, he must be very old and decrepit; and I am sure that if
-he is, in his honorable old age his honest traits of character have not
-forsaken him. No doubt, he takes a just pride in the good service he
-rendered to his country in the years of its great trials, and it is
-fortunate that his having four legs has placed him beyond the temptation
-to join the ranks of the Grand Army of treasury looters, who have traded
-off the honorable name of soldier for that of the pensioned mercenary.
-
-
-
-
-                         JEFF, THE INQUISITIVE
-
-
-Among the gunboats doing duty on the inland waters of North Carolina, in
-the early Spring of 1862, which composed what Commodore Goldsborough
-designated his "Pasteboard Fleet," was the Louisiana, commanded by
-Commander Alexander Murray, who was noted for his efficiency and good
-nature. His treatment of his crew made him one of the most popular
-officers in the whole fleet. He entered into all of their sports, and
-sympathized with the discomforts of forecastle life. He was fond of
-animal pets, and always welcomed the arrival of a new one. At the time
-of which I am writing, his ship carried quite a collection of tame birds
-and four-footed favorites.
-
-Among them was a singular little character known as "Jeff." He was a
-perfectly black pig of the "Racer Razor Back" order, which, at that
-time, were plentiful in the coast sections of the more southern of the
-slave-holding States. They were called "racers" because of their long
-legs, slender bodies, and great capacity for running; and "Razor Backs"
-on account of the prominence of the spinal column. The origin of this
-particular species of the porcine tribe is unknown, but there is a
-tradition to the effect that their progenitors were a part of the drove
-that came to the coast of Florida with De Soto when he started on the
-march which ended with the discovery of the Mississippi River. History
-records the fact that a large number of animals were brought from Spain
-for food, and that a considerable number of them succeeded in getting
-away from the expedition soon after the landing was effected.
-
-Our particular specimen of this wandering tribe of natural marauders was
-captured by a boat's crew of the Louisiana in one of the swamps adjacent
-to Currituck Sound, when he was a wee bit of an orphaned waif not much
-larger than an ostrich-egg. He was an ill-conditioned little mite that
-had probably been abandoned by a heartless mother, possibly while
-escaping from the prospective mess-kettle of a Confederate picket. In
-those days Confederate pickets were not very particular as to quality or
-kind of food, and I have a suspicion that even a "Razor Back" would have
-been a welcome addition to their _menu_.
-
-When "Jeff" was brought on board, his pitiful condition excited the
-active sympathy of all, from the commander down to the smallest powder
-monkey, and numerous were the suggestions made as to the course of
-treatment for the new patient. The doctor was consulted, and, after a
-careful diagnosis, decided there was no organic disease: want of
-parental care, want of nourishment, and exposure, were held responsible
-for "Jeff's" unfavorable condition. It was decided to put him on a light
-diet of milk, which proved an immediate success, for, within forty-eight
-hours after his first meal, the patient became as lively as possible. As
-days and weeks went on, there appeared an improvement of appetite that
-was quite phenomenal, but no accumulation of flesh. His legs and body
-grew longer; and, with this lengthening of parts, there came a
-development of intellectual acuteness that was particularly surprising.
-He attached himself to each individual of the ship. He had no favorites,
-but was hail-fellow-well-met with all. He developed all the playful
-qualities of a puppy, and reasoned out a considerable number of problems
-in his own way, without the aid of books or schoolmaster. His particular
-admirers declared that he learned the meaning of the different whistles
-of the boatswain: that he knew when the meal pennant was hoisted to the
-peak, could tell when the crew was beat to quarters for drill, and often
-proved the correctness of this knowledge by scampering off to take his
-place by one particular gun division which seemed to have taken his
-fancy.
-
-I can testify personally to only one item in the schedule of his
-intellectual achievements. It is a custom in the navy for the commander
-of a ship to receive any officer of rank of either branch of the service
-at the gangway of the ship. In this act of courtesy he is always
-accompanied by the officer of the deck, and often by others that may
-happen to be at hand. After the advent of "Jeff," whenever I went on
-board the Louisiana he was always at the gangway, and seemingly was
-deeply interested in the event. It may be said of him, generally, that
-he was overflowing with spirits, and took an active interest in all the
-daily routine work of his ship. He had a most pertinacious way of poking
-his nose into all sorts of affairs, not at all after the manner of the
-usual pig, but more like a village gossip who wants to know about
-everything that is going on in the neighborhood.
-
-In the gradual development of "Jeff's" character, it was discovered that
-he had none of the usual well-known traits of the pig. He was more like
-a petted and pampered dog, was playful, good-natured, and expressed
-pleasure, pain, anger, and desire, with various squeals and grunts,
-delivered with a variety of intonations that were very easily
-interpreted. He was never so happy as when in the lap of one of the
-sailors, having his back stroked. His pleasure upon those occasions was
-evinced by the emission of frequent good-natured grunts and looking up
-into the face of the friendly stroker. When on shore, he followed like a
-dog, and was never known to root. Except in speech and appearance, he
-was the counterpart of a happy, good-natured, and well-cared-for
-household dog--possibly, however, rather more intelligent than the
-average canine pet.
-
-The Fourth of July, 1862, was a gala day at Roanoke Island. The camps of
-the island and the vessels in the harbor were _en grande fête_. Colors
-were flying, bands playing, drums beating, patriotic steam was up to
-high pressure, and a goodly number of glasses of "commissary" were
-consumed in wishing success to the cause. The good old day, so dear to
-the hearts of Americans, was made more glorious by the exchange of camp
-hospitalities and an indulgence in such simple hilarity as the occasion
-seemed to require; but "Jeff" was not forgotten. Early in the morning,
-he was bathed and scrubbed, more than to his heart's content, and then
-patriotically decorated. In his right ear was a red ribbon, in his left
-a white one; around his neck another of blue, and at his mizzen, or, in
-other words, his tail, he carried a small Confederate flag. Thus adorned
-he was brought on shore to pay me a visit, and, as he came through my
-door, he appeared to be filled with the pride of patriotism and a
-realization of the greatness of the occasion. His reward for this
-unusual demonstration was instantaneous, and consisted of some apples
-and a toothsome dessert of sugar. Afterward he made the round of the
-camps with a special escort of warrant officers and devoted Jack Tars.
-From after accounts it appeared that he had been so well received that
-his escort experienced much difficulty in finding their way back to the
-ship.
-
-During this triumphant march over the island an incident occurred which
-developed the slumbering instinct of the swamp "racer." In a second, as
-it were, and seemingly without cause, "Jeff" was seen to move off at a
-tremendous pace at right angles with the line of march. He was seen,
-after he had run a few yards, to make a great jump, and then remain in
-his tracks. The pursuing party found him actively engaged in demolishing
-a moccasin, which he had crushed by jumping and landing with his feet
-upon its head and back. Hogs of this particular kind are famous
-snake-killers. A big rattler or a garter snake is all the same to them.
-They advance to the attack with the greatest impetuosity, and a feast
-upon snake is the usual reward of exceptional bravery.
-
-In his habits of eating, "Jeff" was a confirmed and persistent
-_gourmand_, and in time paid the usual penalty for over-indulgence of a
-very piggish sort of appetite. While the meal pennant was up, it was his
-habit to go from one forecastle mess to another, and to insist upon
-having rather more than his share of the choice morsels from each. In a
-short time he came to the repair shop very much the worse for wear, with
-an impaired digestion and a cuticle that showed unmistakable evidence of
-scurvy. For the first, he was put upon short rations; for the second,
-sand baths on shore were prescribed. Under this treatment poor "Jeff"
-lost all his buoyancy of spirits and his habitual friskiness, and became
-sad and dejected, but bore his troubles with becoming patience. He took
-to the cool sand baths at once, and gave forth many disgruntled grunts
-when lifted out of them.
-
-The last time I saw "Jeff," July 10, 1862, he was buried up to his ears
-in the cool sands of the Roanoke Island shore, with eyes upturned and
-looking like a very sad pig, but I fear none the wiser for his offences
-against the rights of a well-regulated digestion.
-
-This account has not been written for the only purpose of glorifying the
-one particular pig, or pigs in general, but rather to call attention to
-the fact that this universally despised animal, by associating with
-human beings and receiving gentle treatment, may develop interesting
-traits of character, which would otherwise remain unknown; and also to
-prove that kindness bestowed upon lower animals may be appreciated and
-reciprocated in a manner which the upper animal, man, who boasts of his
-superiority, would do well to imitate.
-
-
-
-
-                             TOBY, THE WISE
-
-
-The chief subject of this truthful history is a jet-black, middle-aged
-bird, commonly known in England as a rook, but nevertheless a notable
-specimen of the crow family.
-
-In his babyhood he was, in the language of the ancient chroniclers,
-grievously hurt and wounded full sore, and particularly so in the left
-wing. He was so badly disabled that he had to forego the pleasure of
-flying through the air, and was obliged to content himself as best he
-could with trudging about on the rough surface of our common mother
-earth.
-
-In his sad plight, with the maimed wing dragging painfully along, he
-chanced to pass the window of a _sanctum_ belonging to and occupied by a
-charming old English gentleman, a perfect example of the old school,
-learned, benevolent, and very fond of animals and feathered pets. No one
-can tell what chance it was that brought the unhappy and wounded young
-rook to the window of this good man. But possibly it was a real
-inspiration on the part of the young bird. Toby was wet, weary, wounded,
-and hungry, and as he looked in upon the cheerful wood fire and the
-kindly face of the master of the house, his longing expression was met
-with a raising of the window and an invitation to walk in to a breakfast
-of corn and meal that had been hastily prepared for him. He gazed and
-thought, and thought and gazed, upon the joys within and still he
-doubted; but, finally, appetite and curiosity got the better of his
-discretion, and, as he walked cautiously in, the window was closed
-behind him. So the wounded waif entered upon a new life.
-
-At first he was a little shy and cautious, and it took considerable time
-for him to convince himself that his protector was his friend. After a
-few weeks, however, he realized the value of his new position, and
-consented to the establishment of intimate relations. In fact, Toby
-became so attached to his master, and so affectionate, that he was not
-happy out of his presence.
-
-During the first month of his captivity, his wounded wing was bound
-close to his body for the purpose of giving the fractured bone an
-opportunity to unite, and during most of that time he would walk by his
-master's side, cawing and looking up into his face as if asking for
-recognition. When the wing got well, and his ability to fly was
-re-established, he would anticipate the direction of the promenades by
-flying in advance from shrub to bush, alighting and awaiting the arrival
-of his master.
-
-The most singular part of Toby's domestication was his exclusive loyalty
-to a single person. He had but one intimate friend, and to him his
-loyalty was intense. He would tolerate the presence of other members of
-the household, but when strangers appeared he was decidedly offish, and
-scolded until they disappeared.
-
-Three times a day Toby is decidedly funny, and goes through a comical
-performance. In his master's _sanctum_ there is a contrivance which, on
-a small scale, resembles the old New England well-pole. At one end,
-which rests upon the floor, Toby commences his ascent with a great
-flapping of wings and uproarious cawing. When he arrives at the upper
-end of the pole, some eight or nine feet from the floor, it falls and
-lands him upon a platform, beside a plate containing his food. This
-climbing up the pole precedes each meal, and takes place punctually at
-the same hour and minute of each day.
-
-In the spring of 1890 Toby was tempted from his loyalty, and flew off
-with a marauding flock of his kind. He remained away all summer. He was
-missed but not mourned, for his master felt certain he would return;
-and, sure enough, one bleak, cold morning in November, Toby was found
-looking longingly into the room where he had first seen his good master.
-The window was opened, he walked in and mounted his pole, and after him
-came a companion, a meek, modest, and timid young rook, more confiding
-than Toby, and differing from him in many other respects. He, too, was
-duly adopted, and was christened Jocko. He was easily domesticated, and
-soon became a part of the _entourage_ of one of the finest old
-Bedfordshire manorial homes.
-
-With age Toby has taken on quite an amount of dignity. He is neither so
-noisy nor so companionable as formerly, but is more staid and useful.
-One of his favorite resting places, where he enjoys his after breakfast
-contemplations and his afternoon siestas, is among the branches of a
-fine old English oak, whose protecting shades, in the far-off past, were
-the scene of the stolen love-meetings of Amy Wentworth and the
-profligate Duke of Monmouth.
-
-Neither of these knowing birds has been able to understand the mystery
-of a looking-glass. They spend many hours of patient investigation
-before a mirror in their master's room, but all to no purpose, for the
-puzzle seems to remain as great as ever. They usually walk directly up
-to it, and betray great surprise when they find two other rooks
-advancing to meet them. For a while they remain silent and motionless,
-looking at the strangers, and waiting, apparently, for some sign of
-recognition. Then they go through a considerable flapping of wings and
-indulge in numerous caws, but after long waiting for an audible response
-they give up the useless effort, only to return next day as eager as
-ever to solve the mystery.
-
-The older bird and his admiring junior are perfectly contented with
-their home, and never leave it. They often look out from their perches
-upon various wandering flocks of vagrant rooks, but are never tempted to
-new adventures. The old fellow is very wise. Like a fat old
-office-holder, he knows enough to appreciate a sinecure in which the
-emoluments are liberal and the service nominal. His devoted follower
-never falters in his dutiful imitation of his benefactor.
-
-Toby proves by his actions that he appreciates the advantages of the
-situation, and in his simple way makes some return for the pleasures he
-enjoys. During a considerable portion of the pleasant days of the year
-he is in reality the watchman upon the tower, ever on the outlook to
-give notice of the approach of visitors to his castle, and no one can
-intrude upon the premises under his self-appointed watchmanship without
-exciting vigorous caws, which are enthusiastically reinforced by those
-of his faithful subordinate. Aside from his affectionate devotion to his
-master, displayed as often as occasion permits, this duty of "chief
-watchman of the castle" is Toby's most substantial return for favors
-received!
-
-In a letter of last May, the master wrote: "My two crows are sitting on
-chairs close to me, and cawing to me that it is time for me to let them
-out of the window, so I must obey." This quotation gives but a faint
-intimation of the exceptionally friendly relations existing between
-these devoted friends. Blessed are the birds that can inspire such
-affection in the heart of a noble old man, and doubly blessed is he who
-is the object of such loving appreciation. Long may they all live to
-enjoy the fulness of their mutual attachments!
-
-This brief sketch is not intended for an amusing story. It is only a
-narration of facts in support of an often repeated theory, viz: that the
-humblest creatures are worthy of our tender consideration, and, when
-properly treated, will make pleasing returns for the affection we may
-bestow upon them.
-
-
-
-
-                                TWO DOGS
-
-
-In 1877, at his English home, I first made the acquaintance of "Max," a
-fine specimen of a Dandy Dinmont dog. He was of the usual size, with
-brown, velvety eyes--very expressive--a long body, tail, and ears,
-coarse hair of a blackish brown and light-tan color, and with short
-legs, not particularly straight. The ancient Greeks, with their severe
-ideas regarding lines of beauty, would not have called him beautiful to
-the sight. But, notwithstanding his looks, he was, to all who knew him
-well, very beautiful; for he was a dog of marked intelligence and
-superior moral character. So fine was his sense of integrity that a most
-delicious and canine-tempting bone might remain within his reach for
-days without his touching it, no matter if he were ever so hungry.
-
-His usual daily occupation commenced with a very early walk with his
-master. Then, in regular order, after the family and guests had
-breakfasted, the butler would give him his napkin, folded in his own
-private ring, which he would carry from the dining-room to the kitchen,
-where it would be spread upon a table, slightly raised from the floor,
-arranged for serving his food. After the morning meal had been eaten,
-his napkin would be refolded, and he would return it to the butler. The
-same routine was always repeated for dinner. His time until evening, if
-possible, was devoted to his master, of whom he was exceedingly fond,
-but he would sometimes walk with the guests when told to do so by his
-master, to whom he always appealed when invited for a promenade by a
-stranger.
-
-Every day, after dinner, when the family and guests had assembled in the
-drawing-room, "Max" would insist upon giving his regular daily
-exhibition, and there was no peace from his importunities until he had
-completed the usual performance. His master always carried with him from
-the dinner table a biscuit which, in the drawing-room, he would hold up
-and say: "Max, I have a biscuit for you. Can't you give us a little
-dance and a song?" Whereupon he would commence to turn around upon his
-hind feet, at the same time doing his best in the direction of singing a
-very doleful sort of a song, all the while looking exceedingly grave,
-the result of his abnormal effort. This part of the daily programme was
-so exceedingly comical that it always excited unbounded applause from
-the audience. The dance would go on until the master called out
-"enough," when the performer would stop and look imploringly into his
-master's face, as if asking him if he might continue the performance,
-which consisted of his master going through the motion of firing,
-accompanied with a noise which passed, in the doggish mind, for the
-explosion of a gun, and was a signal for the actor to fall down
-apparently dead, with eyes firmly closed, and keeping perfectly quiet.
-In this position he would remain until his master told him to come to
-life. The biscuit would then be given him, and that would end each day's
-work, by which he, we may infer, believed he earned his daily bread.
-
-With passing time my little friend took on the garb of age, and, a few
-years before his end, became totally blind, and among the most pathetic
-sights I ever witnessed were his attempts to see his friends. I had been
-so many times at his home that he had come to know me almost as one of
-the family, and at each visit, after his loss of sight, as the carriage
-drove up to the front door, when recognizing my voice, as I spoke to his
-master, he would put his paws upon the steps of the carriage and wag me
-a hearty welcome, at the same time trying his best to see me.
-
-His career ended in November, 1883, when his master buried him near a
-garden gate, put a neat wire fence around his grave, and planted flowers
-over his remains. And now those who may chance to go to Toddington will
-find embedded into the garden wall a handsome marble slab, with a
-mortuary inscription and a verse composed by his kind master engraved
-upon it, which runs as follows:
-
-                                  "MAX
-                         Died, November, 1883.
-
-  If ever dog deserved a tear
-    For fondness and fidelity,
-  That darling one lies buried here
-    Bemourned in all sincerity."
-
-
-One bright morning in the month of November, 1879, the front door of my
-house was opened, and there came bounding through it and up the flight
-of stairs, the most vivacious, clean, and inquiring little dog
-imaginable. As soon as he arrived upon the second floor, calls came to
-him from several directions at the same time, and he did his best to
-answer them all at the same moment; all the while barking and dancing
-around in the most frantic and delighted manner. Within five minutes
-after his _début_, he was perfectly at home and upon the best of terms
-with the entire household.
-
-The name of this new member of the family was "Phiz," and his alleged
-place of nativity Yorkshire, England. In other words, he was a pure
-Yorkshire terrier in descent, a mixture of blue, light gray, and silver
-in color; in size a little larger than the average dog of that breed,
-and, as one of his dog-expert friends often remarked: "He is one of the
-doggiest dogs of his size I have ever known." This was literally true,
-for there never was a more manly and courageous little animal. In his
-prime, his bravery was far beyond the point of reckless indiscretion,
-and any dog whose appearance did not happen to please him, he would
-attack, no matter how large, or under what disadvantageous
-circumstances. The severe shakings and rough tumbles of to-day were
-forgotten by the morrow, which found him ever ready for a new encounter.
-
-The red-letter events in his active life occurred in Madison Square,
-which he would enter as though shot from a catapult; and woe of woes to
-the unfortunate plethoric pug which might happen to pass his way! It was
-his habit when he saw one of these stupid and helpless unfortunates to
-"ring on full steam and board him head-on mid-ships." For a few seconds
-after the coming together, there would be visible a comical mixture of
-quick moving legs, tails, and ears, and a frantic attempt on the part of
-the astonished pug to emit a wheezy sound of alarm, followed by a
-condition of most abject submission. "Phiz," standing over the prostrate
-body of his victim, head erect, tail and ears stiffened with pride of
-victory, made a picture of doggish vanity, once seen, never to be
-forgotten. These scenes, in the warm season, were almost of daily
-occurrence, much to the chagrin of many pug-loving dames.
-
-"Phiz" only amused himself with the innocent pug (for he never was known
-to offer to bite one), but he was always savagely in earnest in his
-demonstrations of detestation of the face-making, ever-yelling average
-street small boy. And he had no special love for the undersized
-butcher's and grocer's assistant, whom he delighted to attack whenever
-he could waylay them in a dark passage between the kitchen and front
-basement hall. Some of these attacks were so sudden, fierce, and
-unexpected, and were attended with such a volume of snarls and barks,
-that the grocer's boy had been known to drop his basket of eggs, and run
-as if pursued by a terrible beast of huge dimensions.
-
-As the subject of this sketch took on additional years, he accumulated
-much knowledge, and, by the time he had accomplished the mature age of
-six, he was far more wise than any serpent the writer had ever known. He
-had never been taught to perform tricks, nor had been in any manner
-trained, but by his own observation he had managed to pick up a world of
-useful information, which proved of great value to him. Among his
-acquirements he had learned how to make known, in an original and
-intelligent manner, all the wants of a well-bred dog. He could tell
-those around him when he desired to go up or down stairs, call for water
-or food, ask to go out, and give a note of warning when a stranger was
-coming up the street steps, but he was never known to bark at the like
-approach of one of the family or a friend.
-
-One of his undeviating customs was the morning call at the chambers of
-his master and his mistress, when he would first make himself known by a
-very delicate scratch upon the door. If not answered, then another and
-more vigorous scratch; still no response, then a gentle bark of
-interrogation, and then, if the door was not opened, would come a most
-commanding full-voiced bark, saying as plainly as possible: "Why don't
-you let me in?" These gradations from the lesser to the greater in
-effort and tones, all in the direction of asking for a certain thing,
-proves conclusively the presence of powers to reason developed to a
-considerable degree.
-
-"Phiz" was selfishly interested in three things: a walk, cats generally,
-and dogs particularly; and no conversation relating to these could take
-place in his presence without exciting his active attention. When these
-subjects were being discussed he would leave his couch and go from one
-conversationalist to another, looking up into their faces in the most
-inquisitive manner, all the while making a great mental effort to
-understand exactly what they were saying.
-
-His most remarkable manifestations of intelligence would occur at the
-time when his master and mistress were about to leave their home for
-their usual summer absence of about six months. On the first two or
-three occasions of this kind he came to the carriage to wag a good-bye.
-Later he must have arrived at the conclusion that certain preparations
-meant a long period of loneliness for him, and then, from the
-commencement of "putting things away" and packing boxes, he would appear
-very much dejected--no more cheery barks and frisky wags, but, on the
-contrary, he would show great depression of spirits, and, finally, when
-the time arrived for the carriage and for carrying out the baggage,
-"Phiz" would hide in some out-of-the-way place, there to nurse his
-grief, undisturbed and unseen.
-
-The subject of this sketch reached the ripe old age of eleven with all
-functions and faculties unimpaired, save sight, which, we are compelled
-to record, was totally obscured. I happened to be with him when he came
-to the painful realization of his great misfortune. It was during his
-accustomed late-in-the-afternoon walk. Failing to find his way along the
-sidewalk he had stopped, while I, without seeing him, had passed on, but
-only for a short distance, when I was attracted by a most pitiful and
-grief-stricken cry. I looked around, and there was my poor little friend
-and companion, sitting close to the lower stone of a flight of steps,
-with his nose pointed straight up to the heavens, and crying as though
-his heart would break. I hurried to him, took him gently in my arms, and
-carried him to his box, which he hardly left for many days. His grief
-was so intense that he refused to eat or be cheerful, and made very
-faint responses to the most affectionate advances. Within a week or
-more, however, he began to resume his interest in affairs, having, no
-doubt, like human beings similarly afflicted, through process of
-reasoning, become reconciled to his misfortune.
-
-If he had been a man instead of a dog, he would have had an easy chair,
-a pipe, and, in his moods of vainglory, fought his many battles over and
-over again. But, as he was only a dog, he found his way about the house
-as best he could, varying occasionally his dull routine by a short
-promenade over the paths which were once the race-track of his wild and
-gleeful prancings. And thus he passed on to that everlasting night, from
-whence no dog whether good or bad has ever returned to wag a solution of
-the mysteries which must have puzzled the minds of many generations of
-wise and philosophical dogs.
-
-
-
-
-                          TWO INNOCENTS ABROAD
-
-
-I passed a portion of the summer of 1890 at Banff, a fascinating resort
-in the heart of the Canadian Rockies, established and controlled by the
-Canadian Pacific Railway Company.
-
-It would be very difficult to find a more charming and picturesque
-location for a summer resting-place. The hotel is situated about four
-thousand five hundred feet above the sea-level, and is nearly surrounded
-by lofty peaks and mountain-ranges which present a great variety of
-rugged outline.
-
-To the venturesome mountaineer, the inducements to climb seem almost
-endless. In the immediate vicinity of the hotel, there is a choice of
-ascents of from six to eleven thousand feet. Most of them may be made by
-any one who has a cool head, a sure foot, and sufficient endurance; but
-there are two or three which ought to be undertaken only by experienced
-mountaineers. I made several of the lesser ascents alone, and, in each
-instance, against the advice of inexperienced and timid persons, who
-declared that I would either be dashed to pieces, by falling down a
-precipice, or devoured by bears, which are supposed to be rather
-plentiful.
-
-My last climb was to the top of the middle peak of the "Sulphur Range."
-It was neither difficult nor dangerous; but the view from the little
-table at the top was simply wonderful. As far as the eye could see, in
-any direction, were mountain peaks, none covered with snow, but all
-presenting magnificent rock-formations of a character which is quite
-peculiar, I believe, to that part of the great American range.
-
-The little table at the top of the peak is about thirty feet in diameter
-and is covered with broken rock. While sitting there, musing upon the
-natural wonders by which I was surrounded, I noticed the approach of two
-chipmunks, coming up from the side of the mountain. They halted when
-they saw a strange animal; but, finally, after sitting upright for a
-short time and giving me a deliberate and careful stare, they concluded
-to come on, and presently they discovered a little clump of stunted
-grass growing from a crevice between the rocks, which they proceeded to
-despoil of its dwarfed seeds. When they had finished their scanty meal
-they looked about for something else to eat. Feeling sure of their
-desires, I crushed a soft biscuit into small pieces, and dropped them at
-my feet; and soon my little friends were busy eating the crumbs,
-apparently quite unconscious of the fact that they were within easy
-range of an animal supposed to have been created in the image of his
-Maker, but the only one which kills for the sake of killing, and boasts
-of the pleasure he derives from the destruction of innocent animal life.
-
-Within a very few minutes this pair of little innocents became quite
-familiar, and the crumbs continued to fall until they had filled their
-stomachs and then the ample pouches on each side of their jaws. Thus
-loaded they presented a most comical appearance. When I rose to my feet
-their surprise made them appear still more comical. They were inclined
-at first to scamper off, but, upon reflection, concluded they would see
-the whole show; and, as I moved over to the edge of the table, to go
-down the mountain, they followed a short distance, and gave me a most
-quizzical parting glance, which said as plainly as their little faces
-could express their thoughts: "Good-bye. Be sure to come again, and
-don't forget the biscuits."
-
-This is not a story; it is only an incident which proves what confiding
-little fools the chipmunks were to trust themselves within reach of a
-specimen of that tribe of superior animals which delights in the
-destruction of life, kills for pleasure, and enjoys the infliction of
-pain upon innocent and helpless creatures.
-
-The excuse for their confiding folly consisted in the fact that they had
-never seen a man before.
-
-
-
-
-                             ABOUT COLUMBUS
-                           BY AN OLD SHOWMAN
-
-
-For fully a third of a century the large elephant bearing the name of
-the great discoverer was well known to all the "Show" loving inhabitants
-of our country. He was remarkable for his great size and bad temper,
-and, if he had been left in his native wilds, might have established a
-notable reputation as a rogue elephant. His keepers were of the opinion
-that he made the mistake of his life when he became a mere show animal,
-engaging in an occupation that required a certain amount of decent
-behavior.
-
-It was said of him that he was a very reasonable sort of an animal when
-permitted to have his own way, but never submitted to confinement with
-any sort of grace. He was always enraged at being chained to the ring or
-stake, and sometimes decreed capital punishment, which he executed
-himself, for the unfortunate keeper who was guilty of the offence of
-chaining him. He was very much given to breaking and bolting, and when
-once in the open, and fairly on the go, he became a very dangerous
-customer, and his keeper, if wise, would give him a wide field until his
-rampage was finished.
-
-One among the many of them, who died in the seventies, was his friend,
-and never had any trouble with him, and he always insisted that the
-lively escapades of his ponderous charge were the result of an all
-absorbing longing for liberty. He used to describe the magnificent old
-pachyderm as the living embodiment of a justifiable revolt. He had not
-much sympathy for the keepers who had been executed, nor did he have
-much respect for their knowledge or discretion. According to his theory,
-they were mere machines for so much per month; they never studied the
-character or feelings of the splendid animal in their charge; they were
-inconsiderate, unnecessarily harsh and cruel, and, from the
-unnaturally-confined elephant's standpoint, in most instances got what
-they deserved.
-
-The Columbus incident, of which an account is to follow, was not a
-particularly exceptional one, and the description of it was written by
-the friendly old keeper who had charge of the hero of it during two
-consecutive years back in the thirties. The narration is a modest one,
-and its phraseology proves it to have been written by a man of rare
-courage. It was printed in a Cincinnati newspaper in the month of
-February, 1870, and is now given, with the editorial head note just as
-it appeared.
-
-                         "THE ELEPHANT COLUMBUS."
-
-      "Letter from another witness of his rampage near New Orleans."
-
-  "The account of the rampage of the elephant Columbus near New Orleans,
-  in 1839, which we published some time since, has refreshed the
-  memories of many old showmen, and as we are always glad to publish
-  anything of interest to them, we give the following letter, which we
-  think will prove entertaining to our readers generally:
-
-                            South Pomfret, Vt.,
-                                                       January 30, 1870.
-
-  To the Editor of the _Chronicle_:
-
-  I have just received a copy of your paper, of December 31, 1869. I do
-  not think the statement headed 'A Curious Circus Reminiscence' is
-  quite correct. At that time I was the advertiser of one branch of the
-  Combined Circus and Menagerie. We were to exhibit in Algiers until the
-  7th of January, and in New Orleans on the 8th, that being the most
-  popular day with the people of that city. William Crum was driving
-  Hannibal, and George Potter Columbus. It was Crum's horse that was
-  knocked down, and Crum was killed. Samuel Ward and myself were
-  standing within ten feet of Crum when he was killed. We had a bet on
-  the height of the two elephants, and that was the reason why they were
-  brought alongside of each other. Columbus was shot under the eye
-  before he killed the drayman. We did not exhibit in Algiers. The
-  people were too much frightened to attend. So we went to New Orleans
-  on the 1st of January, instead of waiting until the 8th.
-
-  On the same evening the difficulty occurred, James Raymond and James
-  Humphrey, proprietors, came to me and wanted I should go and look
-  after Columbus. I told them I would if John Carley would go with me. I
-  knew him to be an old elephant man. They asked him: he said he would
-  like to go, but was sick and would rather be excused. The next morning
-  George Growe, a young green hand, who came with Foster's company,
-  volunteered to go with me. I must confess that when he came forward it
-  cooled my courage, but two horses were saddled and brought to the
-  door. I mounted mine in rather a confused state of mind, wishing
-  myself anywhere except where I was. When we started out it was dark
-  and foggy. I told Growe to go ahead, and, after going about half a
-  mile, we put up for the night on a flatboat. At daylight the next
-  morning we started again, and proceeded down the river about nine
-  miles, where we found Columbus in a canefield, with his head against a
-  pecan tree, asleep. I may now remark that Growe's courage had somewhat
-  cooled off, and he had fallen some half mile to my rear. I rode toward
-  the elephant until I got within hailing distance, and then spoke to
-  him to come to me. He raised up and began shaking his head. Presently
-  he started for me the best he could, and my horse did a good business
-  getting out of his way. He followed me for about six miles, and then
-  came to a halt in front of a large pile of lumber on the levee, which
-  he proceeded to throw into the river as fast as possible, and then
-  started after me at a more moderate gait. When we got in front of a
-  church at Algiers he made a second halt. I then told him to lie down,
-  and, to my astonishment, he obeyed. I got off from my horse, took my
-  knife, stuck it in his ear and held him down until assistance came
-  from the canvas, which was about half a mile off; then Growe took him
-  by the ear and led him to the canvas, and, the same day, we crossed
-  over to New Orleans. Growe took care of him all that winter and left
-  with him in the spring, but was killed by him the next summer, as I
-  learned afterward.
-
-  Poor Crum met with a terrible death. Columbus' tusk entered his groin
-  and came out at his shoulder, going through the entire length of his
-  body.
-
-  These are some of the exact facts as they occurred for I was on the
-  spot, and saw the whole affair. I could say much more, but do not
-  think it necessary."
-
-The writer of this letter was for two years the constant and interested
-companion and friend of, possibly, the most unruly and bad-tempered
-elephant ever exhibited in the United States, and the reason he got
-along with him without accident was that he devoted his undivided
-attention to his charge, studied his character, gave him frequent
-opportunities for bathing, and as much liberty as circumstances would
-permit.
-
-The old keeper used to say that Columbus "was full of odd whims and more
-given to mischief than malice." When there was any hard work to be done,
-like lifting cage wagons out of the mud, or clearing roads of fallen
-trees, he was always ready to do his full share, and was never so happy
-as when actively engaged in some laborious occupation. Once in a while
-he would take it into his head that he would like a good run and an
-opportunity to indulge in mischief, such as uprooting trees, scattering
-fence rails, pulling off barn doors that happened to be standing open,
-etc. etc. It was his habit to signify his desire, after the "show was
-over," by trumpeting nervously, dancing in his elephantine way, and
-tugging at his chain. These notifications did not come very often, but
-when they did, if not too inconvenient, his request was complied with.
-These calls never came just before the performance or while it was in
-progress. The mischief-loving old sinner was far too wise for that, for
-he had a most lively appreciation of the usual inflow of goodies from
-the boys and girls who were courageous enough to encounter the danger of
-"feeding the elephant."
-
-The last conversation I had with the successful old keeper, only a year
-before his death, was about his singular charge, and he insisted upon
-the truthfulness of his old theory--that the elephant was not naturally
-bad, but hated confinement, demanded kindness and consideration from
-those who were the visible instruments used in depriving him of his
-liberty, and, when he received neither, revenged himself by killing the
-tyrants who were depriving him of the freedom to which he was naturally
-entitled.
-
-My old friend used to say: "It's awfully hard lines for such a
-magnificent old beast as Columbus was to be tied up and deprived of
-liberty, and, if I had been in his place, I would have killed more fools
-of keepers than he did. Why, the old elephant was just as smart as any
-of us. He had thought the whole thing out for himself and put the boot
-on the right leg every time. He knew we'd no right to confine him the
-way we did, and made up his mind to be judge, jury, and executioner, and
-in his time he did a lot of killing. I don't quite remember how many he
-made away with; some put it as high as ten, but I guess seven or eight
-would be about correct.
-
-"When I was first asked to take charge of Columbus, I was in the
-business part of the 'Show,' and had never thought of becoming an
-elephant-driver. But somehow, without effort or knowing why, I got well
-acquainted with the old fellow, and, although often warned of his
-dangerous amusements, was never afraid of him.
-
-"During the winter of 183- and 183- we were in quarters at C----. The
-confinement had been long and close, and during the whole winter
-Columbus had been restive and cross. When it came time to start out for
-the summer's business no one could be found to drive him. So, as a last
-resort, the owners offered me a large salary for the job. I had no fear
-concerning the success of the undertaking, but hesitated about becoming
-a professional 'elephant-man,' but the big pay was a great temptation,
-and I yielded.
-
-"The first few days after we started out upon the road, my charge was
-cross and cranky, and I had to watch him all the time as a cat would a
-mouse. Upon one occasion, when against my orders, just for the mere
-deviltry of the thing, he went out of his way to turn over a plantation
-cart that was standing by the roadside, I went for him savagely, with
-hook and spear, and gave him a big dose of something he didn't want; he
-soon had enough, threw up his trunk, and yelled like a schoolboy being
-flogged.
-
-"This submission proved to be his complete surrender to my will, and
-from that time we got on like a pair of loving brothers. We became
-strong friends, and I used to talk to the old rascal as I would to a
-human being. I have always believed he understood more than half I said
-to him.
-
-"He became very fond of our morning race. It was the custom to start
-early in the morning--never later than four o'clock. When we would get
-fairly out of a village where we had exhibited the day before, I would
-ride up alongside and ask him if he would like a run, he would answer by
-throwing up his trunk, giving a trumpet sound of joy, and starting off
-at a stiff gait, keeping it up until I called a halt, and, if we
-happened to be near a stream deep enough to hold him, he would take to
-it, and stay until the rest of the show came up.
-
-"No, I never had much difficulty in getting along with Columbus. From
-the start he found out I was not afraid of him, and that I would give it
-to him if he cut up any of his wicked capers; and he also came to
-understand that I was his indulgent friend who humored many of his
-harmless whims and treated him kindly.
-
-"At the end of two years I was both glad and sorry to leave him. The
-watchful confinement had become irksome, and I was sure that as soon as
-I would leave him he would get into trouble,--which he did, and had a
-bad time of it to the end of his days. I have always felt kind of sorry
-for having put the knife through his ear, and never would have done it
-if I had not been excited and scart half out of my wits. If I had given
-my common sense half a chance, it would have told me that his lying down
-was a sign of recognition of authority, and that he was willing to throw
-up the sponge and behave himself. But I guess he forgave me, for,
-whenever afterwards I went near him, he would give me the old time
-friendly greeting.
-
-"It's many years now since I left the show business, and I've thought
-the whole thing over, and concluded it's all wrong. The confinement is
-unnatural and cruel. Even the little animals in cages, while they seem
-to be happy, are as miserable as they can be. Take a careful look at
-them when they are not tired out or asleep, and you will find an anxious
-expression on all their faces--a sort of looking out of their cages for
-some one to come along and open the door.
-
-"The great cat tribe, Lions, Tigers, Leopards, Panthers, and the rest of
-them, are always pushing their noses against the bars for liberty, and
-are usually pretty cross because they can't get it.
-
-"At any rate, it's pleasant for me to look back upon my many years of
-intercourse with the poor creatures, and to feel that I never, save in
-the single instance, treated one of them unkindly."
-
-Assisting in the two years of successful management of Columbus was the
-inevitable "elephant dog," who was his constant companion and friend.
-They slept together nights and tramped side by side during the days, and
-often, when the elephant would not obey his keeper, the faithful
-companion would, in some mysterious way, induce his huge friend to do
-the reasonable and behave himself like a respectable and order loving
-beast.
-
-I have forgotten the manner of the taking off of the old slave of the
-"Show," but he, with his friendly keeper, who to the end of his days was
-his champion, have long since passed on to that mysterious resting place
-from which neither man nor elephant have sent any message back, and let
-us hope that after their many trampings, and as a reward for the many
-miseries endured while upon earth, that they are now enjoying the
-rewards bestowed upon the forgiven and blest.
-
-
-
-
-                        IN RELATION TO MYSTERIES
-
-
-The relation of the three unusual incidents following these introductory
-words are only simple statements of facts for each reader to solve in
-his own way. Concerning them I have no theory whatever, and avow
-emphatically an entire disbelief in their sometimes alleged supernatural
-origin. That, for the present at least, they are inexplicable must be
-admitted, but that they will always remain within the realm of mysteries
-beyond the power of solution is very doubtful.
-
-Up to the present time many accepted, or rather seeming, mysteries,
-which, with the assistance of ages, have crystallized into form, have
-been permitted to pass unchallenged, but the time has arrived when the
-old fields, now almost sacred groves, where superstition has taken root
-and blossomed, are about to be explored. The almost omnipotent
-search-light of science is turning its rays into the dark nooks and
-corners of complacent ignorance, greatly to the discomfiture of many old
-theories and beliefs, whose foundations are as unsubstantial as dreams.
-
-Until the possibly far-off culmination of the great scientific epoch,
-new mysteries known only to the laboratories of Nature will continue to
-be born. But those who have watched the progress of scientific
-achievement, through the last half of the Nineteenth Century, must
-believe that, within the next like period, the visible manifestations of
-secrets coming from the bosom of Nature (of which the outer shell now
-only is seen) will have been ascertained to belong to a previously
-undiscovered series of natural phenomena.
-
-We know as a certain fact of the existence of a natural element of power
-called electricity, but what is it, and whence does it come? To the
-ignorant it performs miracles in an apparently supernatural way, while
-to the intelligent it is regarded as a subtle natural force coming from
-the universal laboratory of boundless nature and as unending as time
-itself. In electricity, as in many other manifestations of the forces of
-nature, we see only results, and know little or nothing of the first
-cause. The time, however, let us hope, is not far off when origins will
-be as easily demonstrable as is now the seeing of effects we cannot
-understand.
-
-Present indications point to the early solution of all superstitions,
-many of which for centuries have construed some of the simplest
-happenings, which could not upon any known principles be explained, into
-demonstrations flowing from supernatural sources. Superstition must
-certainly fall before the great and impartial sweep of modern research.
-In at least one direction, the battle will be of long duration, but at
-the end of the conflict, the vicious old fabric coined out of ages of
-falsehood as old as our civilization, sustained by centuries of
-superstitious ignorance and countless unspeakable cruelties and crimes,
-will totter from its foundation in the limitless sphere of human
-credulity, and fall, let us hope, to its final decay.
-
-The destruction of that inveterate enemy of intellectual progress and
-the human race, will be the culminating triumph of scientific
-achievement and the crowning glory of human effort in the interest of a
-more exalted conception of the Deity, better morals, and a higher plane
-of civilization.
-
-From my birth to and including a part of the year 1846, I lived with my
-grandparents in the town of Pomfret, Vermont. The inhabitants of that
-old rural community during my time were, I believe without exception,
-descendants from the early English colonists of Massachusetts,
-Connecticut, and Rhode Island. They were an orderly, law-abiding,
-industrious, and honest people, intensely patriotic, believing in the
-fruits of the Revolution, in many of the battles of which they and their
-immediate ancestors had taken part.
-
-Up to the period of my early days they were still engaged in the
-continuous difficult task of creating homes for their families and in
-building a new state, and had but little time to bestow upon books or
-mental culture of any sort. Their lives were laborious and beset with
-many hardships. Indeed, it may be truly said of them that, from an
-academic or bookish standpoint, they were educated and enlightened only
-to a limited extent. Each household had its cupboard of books brought
-from "below," and they retained in their memories an interesting stock
-of historic traditions and patriotic anecdotes, many of which were
-connected with the early history of a majority of the families of this
-community. The frequent recital of these served to keep alive the
-patriotic spirit, and to impress upon the minds of the rising generation
-the importance and value of the heroic services performed by their
-ancestors.
-
-As a rule, this little New England town unit, composed of strong, hardy
-unlettered men and women, was exceptionally free from natural stupidity
-and the usual _répertoire_ of rural superstitions, but they had a few
-which were dear to many of the good old New England housewives of my
-particular period. Among them was a belief in the misfortunes likely to
-attend new undertakings begun on Friday; they had a perfect reliance in
-the ill ending of any enterprise connected with the number thirteen; and
-it was rank heresy for any one not to believe in the ill-omened,
-grief-stricken howls of the family dog. That this latter belief was not
-without a certain reasonable shadow of foundation, I am about to show in
-the relation of a series of remarkable incidents, which are of a sort
-that up to this time have not been explained.
-
-
-
-
-                               MYSTERIES
-
-
-                            AUGUST 27, 1840
-
-In the month of August, 1840, the twenty-seventh day, to be exact, I was
-still at the "old H----n Place" with my grandparents. "Just before
-bedtime" of the night of that day my grandmother called the attention of
-the household to the mournful and unusual howls of the little house dog
-that was sitting in the front yard with his nose pointed straight up,
-crying most piteously.
-
-The incident connected with that sad sound was destined to affect me so
-nearly that I have never lost it, and can hear it to-day as clearly as I
-heard it fifty-four years ago. In about three weeks after the
-demonstration by the little dog, the news arrived that my father,
-Lorenzo Dow Hawkins, to whom I was passionately attached, had died at
-St. Louis, Mo., late in the afternoon of August 27th. My kind-hearted
-old grandmother looked down tenderly upon me, and said, "I knew
-something dreadful had happened. Poor child, you will never see your
-father again!"
-
-In 1854 I visited St. Louis and saw Dr. Simmons, who had attended my
-father during his last illness, and he remembered his death having
-occurred in the afternoon, probably, between five and six o'clock. The
-difference in time between Vermont and Missouri, would make the moment
-of his death late in the afternoon at one place and between eight and
-nine at the other.
-
-  Since writing this account, a doubt has arisen in my mind in relation
-  to the time when the two important incidents occurred. I am not quite
-  certain that the death of my father and the howling of the dog took
-  place at the same moment. I do remember, however, that both incidents
-  occurred _about_ the same time, and I have a vague recollection of
-  having heard my grandmother say, that the unusual and peculiar howl
-  meant a death in the family. And when the news of my father's decease
-  arrived she expressed her belief in the certain connection between the
-  two incidents.
-
-
-                            AUGUST 12, 1864
-
-In the month of August, 1864, I was visiting at the country residence of
-my wife's mother, in the State of Rhode Island. Her oldest son, Alfred
-Nicholas Brown, was at that time staying at the New York Hotel in the
-City of New York. His younger sister was the owner of, and had with her
-at her mother's residence, an intelligent little French poodle of a most
-affectionate and sensitive nature. He suffered from the effects of the
-summer heat and was very much annoyed by the attacks of house flies, and
-in order, as far as possible, to avoid both annoyances, spent the
-greater part of his time in a dark closet adjoining the sleeping room
-occupied by my wife and myself.
-
-"Tommy" was an unusually quiet dog, seldom barking, and had never been
-known to howl save when certain notes of the piano were touched. About
-three o'clock in the morning of the 12th of August we heard a most
-plaintive and sorrowful howl from "Tommy" in his closet, which continued
-until he was stopped by being spoken to. At half past seven o'clock, the
-same morning, while the family were at breakfast a telegram was handed
-to the mother, announcing the death of her son at the New York Hotel at
-ten minutes past three o'clock that morning.
-
-The fact of "Tommy's" howl had been mentioned previously, and I am not
-quite certain if it was discussed, but have been informed that at least
-one member of the family had insisted that it was the forerunner of bad
-news. The bad news undoubtedly followed, but did "Tommy" obtain it in
-advance, and if he did, how? Or was his unusual howl an accidental
-coincidence?
-
-
-                             MARCH 8, 1871
-
-On the afternoon of March 8th, 1871, I was called to the bed-side of an
-old and intimate friend who resided at Newport, Rhode Island. He had
-spent six weeks of the winter at the Everett House in New York, the
-latter part of the time confined to his room, and when I saw him he was
-very near his end.
-
-Our friendship was very close and of many years standing, and we had had
-an understanding between us to the effect that the one who survived the
-other should inspect, and, at his discretion, destroy, letters and other
-private papers left by the one deceased.
-
-In pursuance of that understanding my friend handed me a package of
-keys, and requested me to take the boat that afternoon for Newport, to
-go to his house, to open his safe, to look over his letters and other
-papers, and to destroy such as I might think ought not to be preserved.
-
-I arrived at Newport at one o'clock the next morning, and drove directly
-to his house. As I opened the front gate, a hundred feet or more from
-the front door of the house, his Irish setter dog "Charlie" came
-bounding down through the lawn to greet me. When he discovered I was not
-his master, he showed signs of great disappointment, but, when he came
-to realize that I was an old friend, he was better satisfied. The
-servants let me in, and I went to rest in the bed usually occupied by my
-absent friend, "Charlie" taking his usual place upon and at the foot of
-the bed.
-
-In a seemingly short time,--about four o'clock, I was startled from a
-sound sleep by the most unearthly and weird moan I had ever heard. In a
-moment I discovered "Charlie" sitting up upon the bed with his nose
-pointed to the ceiling, in great agony of mind, pouring forth with all
-his strength the uncanny wails of a broken heart. I spoke to him, but
-did not succeed in quieting him until all the servants in the house came
-to the room to ascertain the cause of such an unusual disturbance.
-
-At seven o'clock I received a message telling me my friend had passed
-away at ten minutes past four o'clock that morning.
-
-During every moment of my entire stay at Newport, "Charlie" was always
-at my side, and could not be coaxed away from me, and, when I departed
-the next evening, he went with me to the wharf, and resisted our
-separation almost to the point of biting the servant who was to take him
-back to the house.
-
-During the six weeks of his master's absence, "Charlie" slept outside
-the front door, ready and hoping to greet his master whenever he might
-return, as was his custom, by one of the Sound steamboats.
-
-I need not write that this unusual incident left a lasting impression
-upon my mind. I have never attempted to solve it and never shall, as I
-am quite satisfied that it was an example of natural phenomena entirely
-beyond my comprehension.
-
-The chief character in this narrative, was a most quiet, dignified, and
-gentlemanly dog. During my six or seven years of intermittent
-intercourse with him, I never knew him to do an ungentlemanly act. He
-was a veritable Chesterfield among dogs, and his noble and gentle
-bearing was a model even for men. He was also the most beautiful of his
-race, perfect in his combination of colors, for he had many all
-perfectly blending into an artistic and harmonious whole. His
-intellectual qualities were quite in keeping with his physical beauties.
-His forehead was large, indicating a well rounded and well developed
-brain, which was deposited between a pair of the most beautiful large,
-soft, brown, and expressive eyes imaginable.
-
-He had never been taught tricks of any kind, but, by the application of
-his natural understanding and constant reflective observation, had
-gradually developed a rare amount of exact intelligence in relation to
-many things. This rare intellectual development was largely due to his
-constant companionship with his master. In the field, the road, the
-stable, the bedroom, the dining-room, and at the table, he was usually
-addressed and treated like a human being. At the three daily meals he
-had his napkin adjusted to his neck, and sat at the right of his master,
-and I think it may be written of him that, although his table manners
-were of the dog sort, wherein the tongue played the most important part,
-they were unexceptional, and that he was never known to commit a breach
-of good table manners.
-
-Next to his master, I was his oldest and most intimate friend. Often,
-when the former was away, I was left in charge as the head of the house;
-on such occasions "Charlie" would adopt me as a substitute for his
-master, but upon his master's return he would leave me and resume his
-accustomed intercourse with the friend who, to him, was superior to all
-others. He walked with me whenever ordered to do so by his master, but
-not otherwise; I could not coax him even to a short promenade.
-
-Not having been in Newport at the time, I cannot write of his conduct
-there while his master was ill in New York, but was informed by the
-servants that he was always, night and day, on the lookout for his
-return, and that they often experienced considerable difficulty in
-coaxing him into the kitchen for his meals. They arranged for him a
-comfortable bed near the front door, where he passed his nights, while
-his days were spent in anxiously watching at the lawn gate, in the vain
-hope of seeing the loved form of his kind master, whom he was never to
-behold again.
-
-This was a rare instance (though probably not among dogs similarly
-situated) of affection and devotion. But then the chief actor in the
-pathetic little drama was ONLY A DOG.
-
-This loving dog, however, in his simple and direct way, silently, but
-not the less effectually for all that, taught human beings a lesson,
-showing an extent of unselfish fidelity and affection which they would
-do well to imitate.
-
-In closing, I may repeat what Sir John Lubbock once said, that at some
-future time, twenty thousand pounds would be offered as a reward to any
-one who would teach a dog to talk, and that then the world will be
-astonished to learn how insufficiently the knowledge of man's most
-disinterested friend has been appreciated.
-
-
-
-
-                          Transcriber's Notes
-
-
---Copyright notice included from the printed edition--this e-text is
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-  dialect unchanged.
-
---Only in the text versions, delimited italicized text in _underscores_
-  (the HTML version reproduces the font form of the printed book.)
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-
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