910 Quadrupeds . 



convinced) what they might be brought to do. Sir Walter Scott even 

 seems to have been imbued with this impression, for in speaking of a 

 terrier dog, which he describes as being " the wisest dog he ever pos- 

 sessed," he says that he " taught him to understand a great many 

 words, insomuch that he was positive that the communication betwixt 

 the canine species and ourselves might be greatly enlarged." 



The above are a few ideas that have presented themselves to my 

 mind, with regard to this interesting question, and T think it only 

 requires a moderate observation of nature to show the probability of 

 my assertions. 



There are some persons who, although they allow the inferior 

 animals the power of memory, viz., of remembering and reflecting on 

 past events, deny that they can anticipate or look forward to others 

 in prospect. The fallacy of this opinion must be apparent on deli- 

 berate consideration, for we cannot reasonably suppose that the gift 

 of memory would have been bestowed, and yet the means of turning- 

 it to a useful account, namely, of arranging their future operations 

 by reasoning on past events, withheld. 



To conclude with the words of a beautiful writer, " However im- 

 penetrable may be the veil which conceals these mysteries from our 

 sight, one thing is clear, that these creatures loudly proclaim the 

 power, wisdom, and goodness of the great Father of the universe, and 

 prove, beyond all cavil and doubt, the existence of a superintending 

 Providence which watches with incessant care over the welfare of the 

 meanest of his creatures." 



T. W. Barlow. 



March, 1845. 



Food of Animals in Confinement. By the Rev. Geo. Munford. 



The facility with which ' The Zoologist' admits into its pages facts 

 of all kinds which bear upon its subject, seems to invite its readers to 

 communicate every circumstance, even the most trivial, respecting the 

 native habits and economy of animals that falls within their notice : 

 observations, indeed, which at first sight may appear only trivial, 

 may often be extremely valuable when viewed in reference to general 

 conclusions ; and information of this kind may be furnished by per- 

 sons who have but a very slight knowledge of Natural History as a 

 science ; it is but necessary to make use of one's eyes and under- 

 standing, and this is the way to become naturalists. 



