Page:The Zoologist, 3rd series, vol 1 (1877).djvu/530

504 Many of these chapters are extremely interesting. They are well illustrated, and, above all, possess the great merit of conveying accurate information, which is more than can be said of many so-called "popular" books. We should like to notice some of the chapters in detail, but the limited space at our disposal prevents us from doing more than cordially recommending the volume to the notice of naturalists.

we have reason to believe that at the present day there is not so much reckless indifference to the sufferings of animals as formerly existed, there are nevertheless many persons who have little thought or regard for the pain which they cause or permit animals to endure. Horses arc overworked and driven when lame; sheep and cattle are overdriven and left without water; dogs are neglected and left to wander without food about the streets; cats are shut up in houses or turned out of doors when families leave town for the autumn. These and many other cruelties are perpetrated, not always wantonly, or even intentionally, but for want of the exercise of a little thoughtful humanity.

Thanks to the efforts of the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelly to Animals, the law now takes cognizance of all wilful acts of cruelty which are brought to its notice, and offenders are duly punished whenever they are convicted.

But prevention is better than cure, and it is desirable to impress upon the young the duties incumbent upon them towards animals. Gentle treatment is usually rewarded by a return of affection; at the very least there is a satisfaction in seeing that the creatures dependent on us are happy. Even wild animals may be lamed, and will show their affection when treated with a kindly attention lb their wants.

To impress these truths upon the young is the object of the book before us; and the stories and anecdotes which the writer has collected aptly illustrate the views which we have briefly expressed.