CHAPTER IV. 

 Tricks, Etc., Taught by Kindness 



SOME people find amusement in teaching tricks 

 to their horses and other animals, and there 

 are certain little performances which they may- 

 learn without the application of punishment. That 

 these accomplishments will be perfect, or that they 

 will be promptly performed is unlikely, because — 

 alack for tradition ! — no dumb animal is taught 

 such things except by punishment, or through the 

 impression produced by hunger. The horse is 

 neither susceptible to flattery, nor receptive of new 

 ideas; having, unlike the dog, but little reasoning 

 power. If he is conciliated too much in these under- 

 takings, and if he is allowed to become too familiar 

 with man, it has seemed often that his disposition 

 to take matters into his own hands is strengthened, 



90 



