48 TRAINING THE HUNTING DOG 



appropriate actions, as the murmur of a mother to 

 her beloved child, are more expressive than any 

 words. That which distinguishes man from the 

 lower animals is not the understanding of articulate 

 sounds, for, as every one knows, dogs understand 

 many words and sentences. In this respect they are 

 in the same stage of development as infants between 

 the ages of ten and twelve months, who understand 

 many, words and short sentences, but yet cannot utter 

 a single word. It is not the mere articulation which' 

 is our distinguishing character, for parrots and other 

 birds possess this power. Nor is it the mere capacity 

 of connecting definite sounds with definite ideas, for 

 it is certain that some parrots which have been taught 

 to speak, connect unerringly words with things and 

 persons with events. The lower animals differ from 

 man solely in his almost infinitely larger power of 

 associating together the most diversified sounds and 

 ideas, and this obviously depends on the high de- 

 velopment of his mental powers." 



In reference to this subject, besides giving his own 

 views at greater length, he quotes from a number of 

 authorities, who contribute valuable information, 

 and who concur in their opinions. 



