wife, 'Well, my dear, the W——s have thought
better of it, for I declare they are coming as usual,
though we did not invite them; here comes Cæsar to announce them:' and the dog came trotting up
to the door, and was admitted as usual to the parlour. The lady of the house gave orders to prepare beds, dinner waited an hour, but no guests
arrived. Cæsar, after staying the exact number of days he had been accustomed to, set off for
home, and reached it in safety. The correspondence which of necessity occurred, had the happy
effect of renewing the intercourse of the estranged
friends, and as long as Cesar lived, he paid the annual visit in company with his master and mistress."[1]
Accounts have been published, apparently veracious, of dogs which had been taught to articulate words. Much more indubitable is the fact that they understand the meaning of spoken language. Dr. Gall observes, "I have often spoken intentionally of objects which might interest my dog, taking care not to mention his name, or make any intonation or gesture which might awaken his attention. He, however, showed no less pleasure or sorrow, as it might be; and indeed, manifested by his behaviour, that he had perfectly understood the conversation which concerned him. I had taken a bitch from Vienna to Paris; in a very short time she comprehended French as well as German, of which I satisfied myself by repeating before her whole sentences in both languages.[2] Mr. Martin gives the following example of the same faculty:—"We have two dogs, a spaniel and a terrier, both of small size; and if, by way of
