ANIMALS AND MUSIC

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 569, 23 January 1929, Page 7

ANIMALS AND MUSIC

A well known musician in America has been making inquiries as to the likes and dislikes of animals with regard to music. It is generally thought that dogs dislike it, but only the rougher kinds which they dislike, while the best classical and modern music seems to give them pleasure. The piano seems to be their favourite instrument, and the violin and brass band their pet aversions. Many cats are attracted by the piano when quiet music is played, as well as when they themselves can make music by running over the keys. Caged birds are cured of homesickness by its means, and monkeys and mules come from a distance to listen to it. Mice, besides finding the piano a convenient place to build their nests, appear to like the sound of it, while cows give more milk, and hens more eggs, when they hear it regularly. That penguins prefer classical music to the weaker sort known as “popular” is well established, while flying squirrels and parrots are now reported to show displeasure when ragtime or jazz is played, and a keen enjoyment when better types of music are provided. IN AMAZONIA j One need not be surprised at the I discovery of a hitherto unknown tribe i of Indians in Brazil, for Amazonia is the .land of legendary folk. It was there that the race of warrior women were reputed to guard the treasure mountains, web-footed Indians peopled a swamp land, and the males of another lost nation are stated to have been 10ft tall. The existence of a dwarf tribe is attested by many travellers, and in 1913 an explorer discovered whole villages of pale-faced Indians. A TOY BALLOON FLIGHT “An envelope soiled, dirtied to perfection, and bearing stamp English”— to quote the words of the Roumanian finder—has revealed what must constitute a record long-distance flight for a toy balloon. Launched from Birkenhead, at one of the school sports days, it was picked up at Darste, in Rumania, 1,400 miles away. The greatest distance previously achieved in this event, which is an annual one, was , only 786 miles, covered by a balloon which reached Poland. ASK THESE Q —How is it possible to make four out of three? A. —Take three little sticks, and make the figure 4. < Q- —What girl's name reads the same both ways? ] A, —Anna.