46 M. F. Cuvier on the Domestication 



After they have been caught, a small quantity only of food is. 

 given to them, and at long intervals ; and this suffices to fami- 

 liarise them to those who take care of them, and inspire a cer- 

 tain degree of affection, which the latter may turn to their ad- 

 vantage, by increasing their authority. 



If, to the influence of hunger, there be added that of a se- 

 lected food, the power which the benefit possesses may be con- 

 siderably increased ; and this power arrives at an astonishing 

 point, when, by an artificial food, the taste of animals is much 

 more gratified than it would be by a better food, which nature 

 had destined for them. In fact, it is principally by means of 

 real dainties, and especially sugar^ that we manage those her- 

 bivorous animals, which we see submitting to the extraordinary 

 exercises of which our public circuses sometimes afford us the 

 opportunity of witnessing. 



This agreeable food acts immediately upon the will of the 

 animal. To obtain, by its means, the effect desired, hunger 

 and physical weakening are not necessary ; and the affection 

 which it entertains for its keeper is altogether owing to the plea- 

 sure which the animal experiences ; but this pleasure depends 

 upon a natural want, and all the pleasures which animals may 

 feel, have not, if I may be permitted the expression, so sensual 

 an origin. 



There is one which we have transformed into a want in some 

 of our domestic animals, which seems to be altogether artifi- 

 cial, and not to address itself to any particular sense ; it is 

 the pleasure of being caressed. I beheve that there is no 

 wild animal that does not ask caresses of the other individuals 

 of its species. Even in our domestic animals, we see the young 

 ones affected with joy on the approach of their mother, the male 

 and the female glad to see each other again ; and individuals, 

 which have been accustomed to live together, happy in being 

 united after separation. 



But these feelings are never expressed in a striking degree ; 

 and it is but in few instances that they are accompanied with 

 reciprocal caresses. This kind of testimony, in which the plea- 

 sure received is doubled by that given, belongs, perhaps, exclu- 

 sively to man. It is from him alone that the animals have ac- 

 quired the wa,nt ; it is also for him alone that they experience 

 it ; with him only that they satisfy it ; and as the feeling of 



