1882-83.] Edinburgh Naturalists Field Club. 97 



XL— THE PENTLAND SKERRIES. 

 By Mr T. M. CRUICKSHANK, South Eonaldshat. 



{CommunkatedJan. 25, 1883.) 



XII.~AN APRIL TRIP TO SOUTH IIONALDSHAY 

 By Mr EGBERT THOMSON, LL.B. • 



{Read Feb. 22, 1883.) 



(The above papers having appeared in the ' Orkney Herald/ are 

 therefore not reproduced here.) 



XIII.—A GOSSIP ABOUT PETS. 



By Me ROBERT STEWART, S.S.C. 



{Read Feb. 22, 1883.) 



It has been our good fortune to have had many friends among the 

 so-called lower animals, and we propose, therefore, to introduce a 

 few of the most uncommon of them. Before, however, allowing 

 oiir first friend, a dog, to make his bow, we might say a word or 

 two regarding the tricks which many animals are able to perform. 

 In teaching an animal accomplishments, the first thing to be done is 

 to make friends with the scholar. Having made friends, it is next 

 necessary to get the animal's undivided attention, and thereafter to 

 put it thoroughly at its ease. There is a time and a place for 

 everything, and if the attention of our friend is taken up with other 

 matters, it is of little use trying to persuade it to do anything, 

 charm we ever so wisely. Patience is perhaps of most use in the 

 process of training ; and this includes command of temper. Most 

 animals are exceedingly sensitive, and a cross word, or sometimes 

 even an angry look, undoes in a moment the result of many pre- 

 vious lessons. Fierce animals are not necessarily the most difficult 

 to train, and in many instances they best repay the labour ex- 

 pended on their behalf. Sullen or too easy tempered animals are 

 difficult to manage ; and those are to be preferred who are in pos- 

 session of some spirit, even though it be a bad one. A dog who 

 follows everybody is of no use to anybody ; and to the saying 

 regarding certain individuals who are nobody's enemies but their 



