Uncle Dick and Lisa's Old Time Animal Tales

     There are few of the patrons of Porter & Merrill’s livery stable, in this city, but have, at some time during the past half-dozen years, had the pleasure of driving a chestnut horse, known as “Gold-dust.” This horse as been in the stable almost from his colt-hood, and has always been a favorite with the regular customers. Recently, however, he has been lame, and last Monday the shoe was taken from the lame foot and the horse turned into the street. Shortly after being turned out the horse deliberately walked down to Gibbons blacksmith shop and placed the lame foot inside the door. Being driven away he walked back to the stable, but afterwards returned to the shop only to be driven away again. This was repeated many times until at last Mr. Merrill tied it in the barn. The foot, doubtless, pained the animal who-shall we say, reasoned-that he could be relieved as on pervious occasions, by having his foot properly trimmed and the shoe again put on. Call it reason or instinct that prompted the horse to this course, the fact remains that Gold-dust is a remarkably intelligent animal, and knows pretty nearly enough to reason.