HUMAN TRAITS IN THE ANIMALS 



The preeminent danger of the animal trainer 

 comes under the same conditions that it would 

 probably come to him were he a trainer of wild men, 

 to wit, when he stumbles or falls. In such a case, 

 the lion or tiger is very apt to spring upon him. 

 These beasts seem to know that a man is less for- 

 midable when down than when standing; when 

 prone upon the ground, his power has departed. 

 They also, like the human savage, often seize the 

 opportunity for an attack upon him when his back 

 is turned. A bold, threatening front cows an animal 

 as it cows a man. The least sign of fear or of hesi- 

 tation on the part of the trainer, and he is in danger. 

 Self-confidence, self-control, an authoritative man- 

 ner, count for just as much in our dealing with the 

 animals as with men. How a bold, unhesitating 

 manner will carry you through a pack of threaten- 

 ing dogs, while timidity or parleying endangers yotir 

 calves ! Act as though you were the rightful master 

 of the place and had come to give orders, and the 

 most threatening watch-dog gives way. Flee from 

 a mad bull, a cross dog, a butting sheep, and your 

 danger is vastly increased. Even an insolent rooster 

 or a bellicose gander will strike you then. I have 

 found that the best way to deal with the hive bee 

 is by a bold and decisive manner. I would even 

 recommend the same course with yellow- jackets ; 

 if you are bent on demolishing their nest, do it by 

 a sudden bold stroke, and not by timid approaches. 

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