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lib. vii. c. 2.) doubtless controlled serpents by simi- 
lar contrivances. Lizards are often tamed: tame 
tortoises are common. The iguana will follow its 
master like a dog. Mr. Pennant relates the history 
of a tame toad, which allowed itself to be carried 
about a room to catch flies. It lived 36 years under 
the steps of a porch, and came out at night when a 
candle gave notice of a friendly invitation. It was 
fed on a table with meat maggots, which it chased 
over the table. 
The domestication of birds is too well known to 
need illustration; the services of decoy-birds to en- 
snarers of ducks, finches, linnets, &c. Piping bul- 
finches, familiar Canary birds, and perroquets, occur 
in every town and village. Most schoolboys have 
in their day found an example of docility worthy of 
imitation in starlings, jackdaws, and greenfinches. 
A goldfinch has been taught to fire a small cannon ; 
and another, at which it has been pointed, to fall 
instantly from its perch with closed eyes, in motion- 
less mimickry of death. 
Instances of equal or superior aptitude for instruc- 
tion and propensity toward familiarity with man 
may be found through all gradations of quadrupeds, 
from the mouse to the “ half-reasoning” elephant. 
The most remarkable instance within my memory 
is that of a keeper of beasts entering into a large 
cage with a full-grown lion and Bengal tiger, which 
he compelled to leap through a hoop, which he held 
in his hand, nearly four feet from the floor of the 
cage. He actually compelled them when apparently 
