Thinking Out A Plan


[March 3, 1888.]



Are animals able to think over and carry out a plan? The following

anecdotes will answer the question. When in India, I had a small rough

terrier who, when given a bone, was sent to eat it on the gravel drive

under an open porch in front of the bungalow. On several occasions two

crows had made an attempt to snatch the dainty morsel, but their plans

were easily defeated by Topsy's growls a
d snapping teeth. Away flew the

crows to the branch of a tree near by. After a few moments of evident

discussion, they proceeded to carry out the plan of attack. One crow

flew down to the ground and gave a peck at the end of the dog's tail.

Topsy at once turned to resent this attack in the rear, whilst the other

crow flew down and bore the bone away in triumph.



The same dog had a favourite resting-place in an easy-chair, and was

very often deprived of it by a dog which came as visitor to the house.

Topsy did not approve of this, and her attempts to regain her seat were

met with growls and bites. This justified an act of eviction, and the

busy little brain decided on a plan. The next day, as usual, the

intruder established himself in the chair, which was close to the open

door. Topsy looked on for a moment, and then flew savagely out of doors,

barking at a supposed enemy. Out ran the other dog to see what was up,

and back came Topsy to take possession of her coveted seat. The other

dog came slowly back, and curled himself up in a far-off corner. The

above I was an eye-witness to, and therefore can vouch for the truth of

what I relate.



K. P.



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