from this quarter. At the same time they generally raise their heads,
as all their organs of sense are there situated, and some of the
smaller animals rise on their hind-legs. Even those kinds which squat
on the ground or instantly flee away to avoid danger, generally act
momentarily in this manner, in order to ascertain the source and nature
of the danger. The head being raised, with erected ears and eyes
directed forwards, gives an unmistakable expression of close attention
to any animal.
CHAPTER V. SPECIAL EXPRESSIONS OF ANIMALS.
The Dog, various expressive movements of Cats Horses Ruminants Monkeys,
their expression of joy and affection Of pain Anger Astonishment and
Terror.
_The Dog_. I have already described (figs. 5 and 7) the appearance of a
dog approaching another dog with hostile intentions, namely, with
erected ears, eyes intently directed forwards, hair on the neck and
back bristling, gait remarkably stiff, with the tail upright and rigid.
So familiar is this appearance to us, that an angry man is sometimes
said to have his back up. Of the above points, the stiff gait and
upright tail alone require further discussion. Sir C. Bell remarks[501]
that, when a tiger or wolf is struck by its keeper and is suddenly
roused to ferocity, every muscle is in tension, and the limbs are in an
attitude of strained exertion, prepared to spring. This tension of the
muscles and consequent stiff gait may be accounted for on the principle
of associated habit, for anger has continually led to fierce struggles,
and consequently to all the muscles of the body having been violently
exerted. There is also reason to suspect that the muscular system
requires some short preparation, or some degree of innervation, before
being brought into strong action. My own sensations lead me to this
inference; but I cannot discover that it is a conclusion admitted by
physiologists. Sir J. Paget, however, informs me that when muscles are
suddenly contracted with the greatest force, without any preparation,
they are liable to be ruptured, as when a man slips unexpectedly; but
that this rarely occurs when an action, however violent, is
deliberately performed.
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