As might be
expected, the wild animals have it more highly developed than do the
domesticated animals. But even among the latter, we find instances of this
sense being in active use--in the case of dogs, horses, geese, etc.,
especially. Who of us is not familiar with the strange actions of the dog,
or the horse, when the animal senses the unseen and unheard presence of
some person or animal? Very often we would scold or punish the animal for
its peculiar actions, simply because we are not able to see what is
worrying it. How often does the dog start suddenly, and bristle up its
hair, when nothing is in sight, or within hearing distance. How often does
the horse grow "skittish," or even panicky, when there is nothing within
sight or hearing. Domestic fowls, especially geese, manifest an uneasiness
at the presence of strange persons or animals, though they may not be
able to see or hear them. It is a matter of history that this sense, in a
flock of geese, once saved ancient Rome from an attack of the enemy. The
night was dark and stormy, and the trained eyesight and keen hearing of
the Roman outposts failed to reveal the approach of the enemy. But, the
keen sense of the geese felt the presence of strange men, and they started
to cackle loudly, aroused the guard, and Rome was saved.
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