Many horses, though quiet with company, will not stay one minute
in a field by themselves: the strongest fences cannot restrain them.
My neighbour's horse will not only not stay by himself abroad, but
he will not bear to be left alone in a strange stable without
discovering the utmost impatience, and endeavouring to break the
rack and manger with his fore feet. He has been known to leap out
at a stable-window, through which dung was thrown, after
company; and yet in other respects is remarkably quiet. Oxen and
cows will not fatten by themselves; but will neglect the finest
pasture that is not recommended by society. It would be needless to
instance in sheep, which constantly flock together.
But this propensity seems not to be confined to animals of the same
species; for we know a doe still alive, that was brought up from a
little fawn with a dairy of cows; with them it goes afield, and with
them it returns to the yard. The dogs of the house take no notice of
this deer, being used to her; but, if strange dogs come by, a chase
ensues; while the master smiles to see his favourite securely
leading her pursuers over hedge, or gate, or stile, till she returns to
the cows, who, with fierce longings and menacing horns, drive the
assailants quite out of the pasture.
Pages:
281
282
283
284
285
286
287
288
289
290
291
292
293
294
295
296
297
298
299
300
301
302
303
304
305