“In 1838, there was a wonderful horse presented to the public, who performed many curious tricks, which seemed to exhibit something far beyond instinct. Among other things, it cleared six poles, one after the other, at a distance of not more than four feet between.
“After it had done this, it went limping up to its master, as if to say, ‘See; I can do no more to-night.’
“The master lifted the lame foot, searching for the cause of the halt, but in vain. Still, however, the horse goes on limping. The man then looked it in the face, and shook his head, as if he would say, ‘Ah, you are shamming, you rogue; aren’t you?’
“And a sham it proved to be; for, with a touch of the whip, the creature bounded away like a fawn, sound both in wind and limb.”
“I wish I could see that horse,” cried Minnie, laughing.
“The most remarkable instance of docility,” added the lady, “was Bank’s famous horse, Morocco.
“This animal would restore a glove to its owner, after his master had whispered the man’s name in his ear; and he could also tell the number of pence in any silver coin. Morocco danced to the sound of a pipe, and counted money with his feet.”
“O, mamma, wasn’t that strange? I wonder whether I could teach Star to do any funny things!”
“Kindness and perseverance will effect a great deal, my dear,” answered the lady, enjoying her little daughter’s delight. “I have heard of a little farm boy, who was too small to mount the plough horses, he was required to ride, who taught one of them to put down its head to the ground, while he jumped astride on its neck, and then, by gently elevating the head, let him slip backward into his seat on its back.
“The intelligent creature appeared perfectly to understand the wishes of the boy, and the use of lowering its head for the purpose of his mounting.