12f> NATURALIST'S CABINET. 



Remarkable instance of sagacity. 



In the summer of 1796, a gentleman, having 

 a small terrier, which he was particularly attached 

 to, and which followed him wherever he went, 

 was much surprised at the following remarkable 

 instance of sagacity: It being a very hot sum- 

 mer, the animal was filled with fleas; and, as the 

 master, in his evening walks, usually crossed a 

 mill-dam, he took the liberty for several even- 

 ings, without the dog's consent, to plunge him in 

 the stream ; by way, as he supposed, of comforting 

 the distressed animal, in making him swim to 

 the opposite side, whrle he walked over the 

 bridge. This was regularly repeated for some 

 time; but one evening, on taking the accustomed 

 walk, the master was surprised at observing the 

 animal keep considerably a-head: at times he 

 would approach somewhat nearer, and wag his 

 tail, but always kept at a most respectful dis- 

 tance, until he came to the edge of the water 

 . near the bridge : here he stopped again, looked 

 wistfully, and with dumb eloquence seemed thus 

 to address his master: " If you conceive it ne- 

 cessary for my comfort, the preservation of my 

 health, or your amusement, do not act by me 

 clandestinely; for dogs are generous animals, 

 and require no compulsion: exhort me kindly; 

 do not throw me in by force, and I will instantly 

 take to the water myself." He accordingly 

 plunged into the stream, and ever aftor that time, 

 as regularly swam over the brook, without any- 

 bidding, as the master walked over the bridge. 



