A CLEVER CANINE.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXXIX, Issue 3711, 25 July 1914, Page 10

A CLEVER CANINE.

i ' THINKS LIKE A HUM AN. Rolf a shaggy sky© terrier, who “talks” by means of a “paw language is mystifying the scientists of Germany. The little animal reads, counts, adds, subtracts, multiplies, divides,; dictates, replies to letters received by him, and even discusses religion. Rolf is owned by Frau Dr. F. Moeckel, the invalid wife of a lawyer of Mannheim, whose house ha? become the rendezvous of learned professors, who has submitted Rolf to extraordinary experiments with astounding results. What adds to the peculiarity of Frau Moeckel’s dog is that, unlike the famous Elberfeld horses trained by Herr Krall, he is largely self-educated. Ever since Frau Moeckel purchased him he has been the constant companion of her children. He was allowed to sit by the side of Frau Moeckel’s little girl during lessons, and, as it is now recalled, always paid the closest attention. The discovery of Rolf’s learning was made during one of these lessons. Frau Moeckel states that one day her little girl was unable to answer a simple question. “How stupid; why even Rolf could answer that. Couldn’t you, Rolf?” .To the amazement of mother and child, Rolf lifted his right paw and beat the exact answer to tlie problem. ANSWERS ALL QUESTIONS CORRECTLY.

It was naturally thought Hint the answer was a more coincidence j but when they gave Rolf another problem, he again returned the correct answer. A third and fourth test followed, until it was evident that the dog knew what it was talking about. Frau 'Moeckel then took him in hand and began to educate him. An alphabet was fixed 1 up. Frau Moeckel asking: “Rolf, how many ‘paws’ do you want for ‘A,’ how many designated how many beats of bis foot would designate the different letters by which he spells out his thoughts, ideas, and answers Like the Elberfe'd horses, Rolf uses something like Colonel Roosevelt’s “simplified spelling.” He eliminates all useless letters. * , , , , , Some of the things that are related and written about the "Mannheim dog,” as lie is known, are so fantastic that they would be unbelievable were it not for the fact that they are attested by men whose word is beyond doubt. A professor from Basie has made on. his experience with Rolf a report that reads like romance. He says:— . “Frau Moeckel has just received a letter addressed to Rolf from a gentleman who had come to see the dog, and of whom Rolf had grown fond Tlio letter read:—'Dear Rolt, —1 still think very often of you, and how kind and nice you worked for me. I have told our Rick (the gentleman s own dog) about it. He cannot read, speak, or calculate ye*. "e al f° have a dachshund, but I am sorry to say he is sick. Many greetings.

DICTATES ANSWER TO LETTER

“Before my eyes Rolf dictated with his paw a reply which, translated, is:—‘Lib ; big bei mu'dr iron dagl aug dogdr boln gins.’ Dear Rick, by mother come learn. Also Dackel (short for dochshund). Get doctor. Greeting.—Rolf.’ ” ... Tlie professor Ilian asked Rolf why ho (the professor) had come to see him. Rolf answered, “To see Rolf work.” The letter “M” was written on a piece of paper, and Rolf was told to give some words starting with that letter. He answered “Mouse, man, Michel.” The latter is the name of a servant in the house. While the professor was talking to the dog a motor car went by in the. street. A few seconds later he was asked what •had just passed the house. Rolf replied, “Audo.” A companion of Rolf was soon to have some puppies. Frau' Dr Moeckel mentioned the fact to the professor and then, turning to Rolf, asked, “What •will come soon "Little Rolf,” he pawed out in phonetic German. The professor asked, "What is my name ” “Wolf” spelled out tlie dog correctly. “Where did I come from?” “Basl,” was the answer. As no mention of the professor's name or Basle had been made, it was concluded that he remembered it from -he evening before, when Frau Moeckel had told the dog that a .gen.leman by that name was coining from dasle tlie next day.