GENERAL REMARKS. 183 



ject or sound will not hurt him> no matter how objectionable or re- 

 pugnant it may have previously seemed in appearance, it will be 

 regarded with indifference. It is remarkable also what a degree of 

 insensibility to fear, or how much confidence can be inspired when 

 subjected to proper treatment. For instance : Let a pole be brought 

 suddenly or unexpectedly against the quarters of a wild colt, and he ' 

 will instantly jump, snort, and kick, showing the greatest fear of it- 

 If this be repeated for a, few times, the fear, kicking, and effort to 

 get away will be greatly increased. If, on the contrary, the pole 

 were slowly and gently brought to the nose, so that he can smell of 

 it, then passed over the mane and back, gently rubbing the parts, 

 and gradually extending it over the hips and across the, quarters 

 lightly, increasing the force of the contact as he will bear, at the 

 same time attracting his attention and quieting his fear by stroking 

 the head, talking to him, or giving apples, etc., a few Irepetitions, re- 

 quiring in all perhaps not more than ten or fifteen minutes, will 

 make the colt entirely fearless and indifferent to being touched. 



I was once present when a team of four horses was harnessed 

 for the first time to a band wagon. With the first note, the horses 

 were excited to such intense fear that it was only by the greatest 

 effort they were kept from running away, though the band stopped 

 playing instantly, I directed the men to get out and go back about 

 fifteen rods. In the meantime, I took the most excitable horse by 

 the bridle, stroked his nose, talked to him quietly, and directed the 

 others to be treated in like manner. They were greatly excited ;, 

 the one I held fairly shook with fear. After a few minutes, I directed 

 the band to commence very lightly upon one or two instruments at 

 first, the others afterward to gradually start in. This slight com- 

 mencement was repeated several times before the horses would bear 

 it without showing great excitement. I then directed them to play 

 louder, and increase the tone gradually until up to the full force of 

 all the instruments arid drums. This point made, while playing they 

 came forward very slowly, got in and commenced again in the light- 

 est possible manner, gradually increasing the sound until they 

 played again with full force. I now directed the band to keep quiet 

 while the team was driven a short distance, then, as before, com- 

 mence lightly and slowly, gradually playing louder until the horses 

 appeared indifferent to the sound. The result was that in less than 

 twenty minutes the band paraded the streets, playing as they 

 pleased, the horses entirely gentle, in fact, appearing to enjoy the 

 music. Here we see such marked excitement and fear shown from 

 hearing a sudden, unexpected sound, as to precipitate the most 



