Foreword 



were found subsequently to be much the worse 

 for it, and several had to be destroyed. Tlie 

 same sequelae followed demonstrations in 

 other large cities, and, when this became 

 generally known, the tour of instruction came 

 to an end. 



Another lightning tamer, whose demon- 

 strations a good many years ago I often attended, 

 certainly had the art of bringing the most 

 refractory and impossible animal under com- 

 plete control within a very few minutes. He 

 had perfect command of his temper, indomit- 

 able pluck, always spoke to his horses cheerily 

 and kindly, though firmly ; and had an illimit- 

 able stock of raillery and cajolery, which seemed 

 to be appreciated by even the most ferocious 

 of his exhibits. He was never cruel to his 

 pupils, and, although at first afraid of an 

 ingenious shock treatment, which was his 

 speciality, they ended by obviouslj^ enjoying 

 it thoroughly. In conversation he frankly 

 admitted to me that the sudden quelling of a 

 horse had little permanent effect ; but it was 

 necessary for the attraction and entertainment 

 of his public. For the permanent obliteration 

 of bad habits, he agreed that a long and gradual 

 course was necessary ; but that would not fill 

 a big hall and bring in gate money. I followed 

 up a number of cases of horses treated only 

 once or twice at his most interesting show, 

 and although this extremely able expert had 



