HOW THE HORSE LEARNS 125 



ferent aids and punishments by which we make 

 him understand what we desire him to do. He 

 does not understand words, but the sound of Avords, 

 or rather the various intonations of the voice, when 

 they are simple and distinct. Eor him words are 

 sounds, and for this reason all languages are alike. 

 Of these sounds, whatever be the word used in 

 emitting them, he naturally understands : — the so- 

 norous conciliatory sound oh ! which has the effect 

 of soothing him; — the loud short angry sound eh! 

 which produces the impression of a menace and 

 makes him afraid. 



The other sounds adopted for directing him to 

 advance, to stop, or make any other given move- 

 ments, such as to start off at a gallop, and others 

 are learnt by associating them frequently with these 

 actions, which he is induced to perform by means 

 of other aids. 



He understands naturally; — a kind look and 

 caresses, whicli have the effect of soothing him ; — a 

 threatening look, gesture, or movement Avith the 

 whip, or being struck with the whip; — which are 

 things producing upon him usually the effect of 



