Instinctive Action

Abstract

SOME years ago I was about to drown a terrier pup of about a month old. I held it across the palm of my open hand aver a large tub of water. It lay quite still on my hand as I gently lowered it. When within 4 inches of the surface, but not yet touching the water, it deliberately began, and continued as long as I held it there, the paddling motion with its feet peculiar to dogs when swimming, and quite unlike that of walking, although I am perfectly certain this puppy had never seen or touched water before. We know almost all animals swim when first, placed in water, but how could this puppy know before it touched the water that this peculiar action would be necessary? Has a similar case been observed by any of your readers?