THE EFFECTS OF MUSICAL SOUNDS ON ANIMALS. 175 



The interest exhibited by pigs, oxen, and cows in the more 

 complex musical sounds, or combinations of sounds, such as 

 would be classed under the second definition, is shown by some 

 of the examples. We have no information as to the character of 

 the instruments, or the tunes, or sounds. The simple fact is 

 proven that these animals were attracted by instrumental music, 

 and the inference is that the sensations produced were pleasurable. 



As to how far the behaviour of the dogs, in some of the cases 

 given, may be attributed to or regarded as the effect of music, or 

 considered as nothing more than a manifestation of impulse or 

 spontaneous activity which takes a hand in whatever is going on 

 at the time, it is evident that this is a question for future 

 determination. 



We have all noticed the pleasure exhibited by these animals 

 when the master puts on his hat and goes out for a walk, a drive, 

 or a hunt. We have seen them racing with each other, with 

 horses in the field, when both horses and dogs seem to derive 

 pleasure [from the performance, and to be acting under the 

 impulse which finds birth in exuberant vitality, or simple, 

 healthful life. It would seem that the example of motion excites 

 to action, and the sight of a swiftly moving railway train or a 

 locomotive tempts and stimulates them to trials of speed. 



In the Lake Superior region, where I lived thirty years ago, 

 in the winter season, — which meant, at that time, five months' 

 isolation from the rest of mankind, — the mail-bags were carried 

 once a fortnight by dog-trains in charge of three or four Indians 

 or half-breeds. There were generally three or four sleds, with as 

 many dogs to each. The dogs were gaily decorated with bits of 

 bright-coloured flannel and ribbons, and bells were added for 

 sound and show. Upon arriving at the summit of a bill about 

 half a mile from the centre of the camp, they halted for a breathing 

 spell. I shall never forget the lively scenes that always followed 

 these brief halts, when men and dogs started down the slope 

 towards my office, at full speed ; the Indians whooping at the 

 top of their voices, and the dogs adding to the tumult by their 

 vociferous and joyful barking, and the merry jingle of the bells. 



Here man and beast were moved by a common impulse, which 

 found relief, expression, and pleasure in intense activity and 

 noise. They had shared together, as companions and friends, 

 the fatigue and dangers and monotony of a long journey over 



