I think one of the reasons some people assume (incorrectly) that ferrets are more intelligent than cats or dogs is because they are better at learning words (if the humans take the time to teach them slowly, repeating and repeating, and sticking to simple vocabularies and simple sentence structures), but the fact is that there are many presentations of intelligence, and vocabulary isn't going to tell much about many of them. Think of people. Niki wasn't even going to try to go to graduate school because she thought that she wasn't smart (because unlike her boyfriend she isn't good at trivia recollection). She is excellent at questioning and investigating, though, so after she applied she found every doctoral program she applied for wanted her and she decided on Michigan (Ann Arbor). Each species and each individual has strengths and weaknesses. Bob's description of two ways to investigate and learn is excellent and I hope people take it into account in the daily behavior of their critters and when training. One note about the ECE isolation letter: don't be upset with people pointing out that not everything which is green is ECE. It's just plain fact. Also, not realizing this might kill a ferret since some of the other possible causes are also potentially very, very dangerous and need to be ruled-out, or found and treated. Plastic bags, throw rugs: although it is rare I do recall reading one or two letters here with a ferret which was smothered in a plastic bag during the decade; there have also been a few reports of ferrets seriously injured or killed when crushed while sleeping under throw rugs. We aren't talking about the reported hazard level of recliners, doors, rubber stoppers, vinyl toys, or such but it's good to be aware and use precautions. Sukie [Posted in FML issue 2329]