Singular Case of Instinct in a Horse.
We do not remember ever to have heard of a more remarkable exhibition of equine intelligence than was communicated to us a few days since by Mr. Allen, of this place. The circumstances, as they were related to us, were as follows:— Mr. A. has had for a considerable time a span of sprightly little horses that he has never separated. In the stable, in the field, in the harness, they have always been together. This has caused a strong attachment to grow up between them. A few days ago, he went with them to Minnetonka on a fishing excursion. Taking them out of the carriage he led them down the lake and tied them with stout ropes, several rods apart, on a strip of grass that grew upon the shore, and left them to feed. Returning to the shanty, he threw himself upon the floor to await the return of the party who had repaired to the lake to fish. Not much time had elapsed before the sound of an approaching horse’s feet attracted his attention, and a moment after, one of his span appeared at the door. The animal put his head in, and, giving one neigh, turned, and, at a slow gallop, yet under evident excitement, returned to the spot where but a few minutes before he and his companion had been fastened. Surprised to find his horse loose, and struck with his singular conduct, Mr. A. immediately followed, and found the other lying in the water entangled in the rope, and struggling to keep his head from being submerged. While Mr. A. proceeded to disengage the unfortunate horse, his noble benefactor stood by, manifesting the utmost solicitude and sympathy; and when his mate was extricated from its perilous situation and again upon its feet, the generous creature exhibited the most unquestionable signs of satisfaction and joy. That this intelligent animal should have noticed the misfortune of his mate, that he should know where to apply for rescue, and in his efforts should sunder a three-fourths-of-an-inch rope, and finally, that he should exhibit so high an appreciation of the event, are circumstances to astonish us and commend themselves to the thoughtful consideration of those who would limit the power of reasoning to the genus homo.—St. Anthony’s (Minn.) Express.