134 Centaur; 



appearance, with accoutrements not exactly according to 

 regulation pattern, excited considerable amusement. On 

 inquiry it was found the animal had formerly been a cavalry 

 horse, and hearing the well-known sound to which in former 

 years it had bounded with pride and pleasure, the animal, 

 despite its age, could not resist the enchanting influence ol 

 the music. 



It is known that horses readily understand a few notes of 

 music, but cases can be cited in which they have been trained 

 to keep time to some very complicated compositions. 



Some time ago the Author had occasion to call upon a 

 friend, who takes a great pride in his stud. Just as he 

 arrived, his friend and good lady were about to proceed 

 to the court-yard to inspect a new addition to the stable in 

 the shape of a young colt. It need scarcely be added that 

 the writer gladly accepted an invite to accompany them. 

 The animal — a fine looking creature — was trotted out ; but 

 it had never been broken, and had just been shod for the 

 first time that morning ; and like " Fear," it " started at 

 the sounds itself had made," and as the metal rang upon the 

 pavement it became quite nervous. The lady seeing this, 

 stepped forward and commenced patting and stroking his 

 mane, and while she was so engaged, a baud of music at a 

 short distance struck up a plaintive air, and the lady — quite 

 mechanically — commenced to hum the tune. No sooner did 

 she begin than the colt placed its head upon the lady's 

 breast, when she called her husband's attention and that of 

 the Author to the occurrence ; but the moment she ceased 

 singing the animal raised its head, but replaced it when the 

 singing was repeated. This proceeding, which was done 

 several times, leads one to think that music might be advan- 

 tageously used in the training of horses, especially those of 

 a sensitive or timid nature. 



And we are reminded of tales once heard of the "Horse 

 Charmers " in Ireland, who were said to be able, by merely 

 humming or singing some words or notes close to the animal's 

 ear, to tame the most vicious or restive horse that could be 

 brought to them. 



The Author has personally tried several experiments with 

 his own steeds at various times and places, which conclusively 

 prove the theory propounded above, and corroborates the 

 experience just narrated. For instance, he has on several 



