Animal Rights History »» Dr. James Macaulay

Plea for Mercy to Animals, "Means of Prevention, Legal and Educational"

III. MEANS OF PREVENTION, LEGAL AND EDUCATIONAL.

WE have now referred to various kinds of sufferings to which animals are exposed, although it is impossible to enumerate all of them. Legislation has done much for the removal of some causes of scandal, and the fear of punishment operates to a certain extent in restraining from open cruelty. The law does not, however, reach beyond flagrant cases, and must always leave much wrong and suffering unnoticed and unredressed. The law cannot reach the vast bulk of cases where animals are used in the service of man, nor those where they are domesticated, as pets or otherwise ; the treatment of animals in such conditions must depend mainly on the care and good feeling of their owners. It is by the education of the young, and by the influence of public opinion, that in this, as in many other social questions, the greatest good can be done. In all these directions the lead is taken by the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, which has branches in many parts of the country, and the success of whose beneficent work has led to similar societies being founded in other countries. Every humane person will, in his own sphere, do what he can to lessen suffering, but individual effort can do little, especially in cases within the scope of legislation, compared with the watchful care of an influential association which specially

50

EARLIEST BRITISH LEGISLATION.

charges itself with the protection of dumb animals, and employs trained and experienced officers for this purpose.

Of the objects and operations of the Society we shall have to speak presently, but meanwhile a brief statement of the origin and history of British legislation on the subject of cruelty to animals will be useful.

The horrible scenes of cruelty and vice connected with bull-baiting and other savage spectacles, as well as the sufferings witnessed in the more ordinary transactions of life, having compelled the notice of public men, Lord Erskine, in 1809, introduced a Bill into the House of Lords, where it was carried without a division, but was rejected in the House of Commons. Committees of inquiry were, however, from time to time appointed; and at length, in 1824, Mr. Martin, of Galway, whose exertions in this matter deserve to be remembered with honour, succeeded in carrying a general measure. Mr. Wilberforce was one of his chief associates and supporters. In 1835, in consequence of the urgent suggestions in the report of an influential committee of inquiry, a more effective measure was passed, which, with some amendments and additional enactments, is now the law of the land. According to this law penalties are enforced against persons convicted of offences enumerated in the Act.

The benefits of legislation have been incalculable, and none of the evils or inconveniences predicted by its opponents have been verified. It was said, as is usual on all such occasions, that you cannot make men merciful or humane by Act of Parliament. True, but the law can prevent much actual suffering and wrong. It was said that it would be impossible to decide what was cruelty and what was not ; to distinguish, for instance, between blows necessary and justifiable when beasts are lazy and refractory, or even blows of hasty temper, and deliberate cold-blooded cruelty. Lord Erskine had already replied to this objection in showing that no difficulty of the

51

MR. MARTIN, OF GALWAY.

kind occurred in regard to the treatment of apprentices : "To distinguish the severest discipline, for enforcing activity and commanding obedience in such dependents, from brutal ferocity and cruelty, never yet puzzled a judge or jury—never, at least, in my long experience." It was also said that the provision by which one-half of the penalties should go to informers must multiply frivolous and vexatious prosecutions. So far from this being the case, it is of the rarest occurrence that any difficulty arises about the decisions. It was mentioned in one of the reports of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, the officers employed by which have greatly assisted in carrying out the beneficent designs of the law, that in the year preceding that report, in nearly three hundred prosecutions, the offenders had in every instance been convicted. It was also objected that it would be unjust to deprive the poor of their amusements, while no attempt was made to interfere with the equally cruel amusements of the rich. "This bill," said Mr. Windham, upon one occasion, "instead of being called a bill for preventing cruelty to animals, should be entitled a bill for harassing and oppressing certain classes among the lower orders of the people." Mr. Martin exposed the true motive of this argument : "Gentlemen apprehended that they rose above vulgar prejudices, and were great philosophers, when they maintamed that the lower classes were entitled to their own amusements. But this opinion, so far from being philosophic and philanthropic, arose from a contempt for the lower orders ; as much as to say, 'Poor creatures, let them alone, they have few amusements, let them enjoy them.' " The following entry to the same effect, appears in Mr. Wilberforce's Diary : "Went to the House for Martin's Bill on Cruelty to animals. It is opposed on the ground of the rich having their own amusements, and that it would be hard to rob the poor of theirs . . . a most fallacious argument, and one which has its root in contempt for the poor."

52

THE OPPONENTS OF LEGISLATION.

Another objection was, that such legislation must necessarily be limited and partial in its application. "The argument," replied Mr. Martin, "that by this law we have not done all that ought to be done, was no answer to the claim to do as much as was possible at the moment, any more than telling a man who attempted to save one hundred out of eight hundred persons on board a sinking ship, that his being unable to preserve all was a sufficient reason to abstain from attempting to rescue any."

Such were the principal arguments by which, along with much vituperation and ridicule, it was attempted to bear down a humane design, the simple object of which was to aid in suppressing vice, and to lessen the sum of misery in the world. There are several cruel amusements and practices at present openly encouraged and defended, that ought as soon as possible to be added to those already denounced as illegal ; and when, in regard to these, further enactments may be demanded, the same or similar objections will probably be urged. Looking back to the recorded debates upon the question, it will be found that the men most conspicuous in their opposition to these measures, uniformly set themselves against every measure of an enlightened, or liberal, or benevolent nature. They were the defenders of the slave trade, for example, and on the same ground, that legislation should not interfere with "the rights of property" and with "the liberty of the subject"—liberty meaning licence to do wrong.

In educating public opinion, and in preparing thus for effective legislation, the most valuable help has been given by the (now Royal) Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. Beginning half a century ago, on a small scale, it has gradually risen in influence and in public favour.

At the Jubilee Meeting in 1874, Mr. Colam, the Secretary of the Society, in introducing the usual annual report, contrasted

53

ROYAL SOCIETY FOR PREVENTION OF CRUELTY.

the state of public opinion now with what it had been fifty years ago. "In reviewing the history of this Association from the date of its foundation, June 16th, 1824, your Committee earnestly call your attention not only to the improvement in the treatment of animals, but to the present universal approval of your principles. Fifty years ago, the worst forms of cruelty to animals were openly perpetrated in our streets and on our highways without provoking general indignation, and even without awaking general commiseration in the minds of eye-witnesses. Fifty years ago the pioneers of your righteous cause, instead of receiving praise, were subjected to ridicule and odium. Assembled in this magnificent (Albert) hall, surrounded by representatives of kindred societies, who have travelled from all parts of the world in order to take part in the proceedings of to-day ; encouraged by a favourable public opinion ; and enjoying the most gracious and distinguished patronage which can be bestowed on a charitable community, your Committee are devoutly sensible of the blessings which have been vouchsafed to their labours of love ; and they cannot, therefore, be restrained in making this public acknowledgment and record of their heart-felt gratitude to the Father of all mercies."

The history of a Society carried on in this spirit, and with so excellent an object, could hardly fail to be a record of progress and success. The courage and energy, the self-denial and patience of the pioneers and early workers have been amply rewarded. There were, from the first, honoured names in the reports,—Erskine, Martin, Burdett, Buxton, Lushington, Fry, Gurney, Wilberforce—but the general interest in the cause was of slow and gradual growth. The early support given to the Society by Her Majesty the Queen has been of immense benefit in securing public attention. Forty years ago, while Princess Victoria, she allowed her name to appear at the head of its patrons, and in 1840 conferred the right of bearing the style

54

OPERATIONS OF THE SOCIETY.

and title of a Royal Society. This influence was a substantial help to a cause which had been exposed to ridicule and retarded by prejudice. The Society now has a long list of royal and noble patrons and office-bearers, and a vast number of zealous and wealthy supporters, and is cheered on its work by the approval of public opinion.

The operations of the Society and the application of the funds placed at its disposal may be referred to three great points :—

1. The prosecution of offenders.
2. The education and training of the young.
3. The influence of public opinion, through the pulpit and the platform, the newspaper press and general literature.

Since the institution of the Society the number of prosecutions at the instance and at the cost of the Society have increased every year. It was feared that there might be many frivolous and vexatious charges, an objection made from the first against legislating on the question. So far from this being the case, it is the rarest occurrence that any difficulty arises about the decision. In the various reports of the Society, we find that of hundreds of prosecutions during each year, the vast majority of offenders had been convicted. Very judicious advice is given on this matter in the papers circulated by the Society throughout the country, recommending personal appeal and remonstrance, and only in case of obstinate and gross cruelty the adoption of severer measures. Even when prosecution is resolved upon, the case is reported to the committee in London, by whom the authorization is given to proceed before a magistrate. The careful and watchful supervision of the Society, which extends to all its operations, may be seen in the printed notices to their officers. Any town or district sending 100£. annually to the parent society has the privilege of a special officer, well fitted for the service, in the locality.

It is very gratifying to find that branches of the parent

55

JUBILEE MEETING OF R.S.P.C.A.

society are being formed in all parts their the country, and in large towns special officers, trained to their duties, are attached to these local societies. In "The Animal World," the monthly organ of the society, lists of these associations and of the office-bearers are frequently published. The good work is also carried on by societies in many foreign countries, reports of which appeared in the proceedings of the International Congress, the sixth of a series, held in London, this one being in 1874, at the time of the Jubilee Meeting of the parent society.

We are glad to observe the ground taken up in the formation of these branch societies, the subject being regarded as a moral obligation, and not simply as a matter of law and police. For example, at one of the most fully reported meetings, at Exeter, the proceedings were quite in this tone. The meeting was held in the spring of 1875 for reorganizing a local branch. The mayor, Mr. H. C. Lloyd, presided, and said that the Guildhall could not be granted for any worthier purpose. The mayor was supported by the high sheriff, and by many of the leading notables of the city and country, both ecclesiastics and laymen. Among the speakers at the meeting was the Baroness Burdett-Coutts, who, in referring to the Bishop of Exeter as president of the local branch, said that although the bishop had laborious and incessant calls of duty in his office, he had not refused this additional demand on his time and attention, "considering the dumb animals," the Baroness said, "as part of his diocese, and feeling that they had a claim on his kindly care and pastoral attention." This was said with genial humour, and the meeting warmly responded when the speaker added, that "in England, Christianity has no doubt exercised its beneficent influence upon the treatment of animals, and that it is by carrying out the precepts of Christianity we shall ultimately eradicate this and every other form of evil. Cruelty is the same evil principle whether exhibited

56

PROSECUTIONS FOR CRUELTY.

towards animals or towards our fellow-creatures, as in the slave trade. Both spring from the same germ of cruelty and greed of gain, and Christianity alone can counteract these evils."

Where the cause of humanity is thus associated with the principles of morality and religion, the work is sure to prosper. In accordance with these sentiments, we note with pleasure that, in a pastoral letter issued by an Episcopal Convention, held in 1874, at New York, the following passage occurs : "The Christian soul is sensitive to the love of God, and loves all things in Him, and for His sake. It loves even the dumb creatures He has made, because He condescends to be the God of the sparrow, and considered the very cattle that were at Nineveh. Gentleness to the animals which serve us, protection to the dependent flock which typifies the chosen people of God, pity for the callow brood in the fragile nest, are lessons which men of love are not ashamed to impress upon themselves and upon their children."

It is under the Act 12 and 13 Victoria, cap. 92, that the legal penalties for cruelty to animals are chiefly enforced. There are also some minor enactments against particular forms of ill-treatment of animals.

I have before me a large number of reports of convictions, obtained chiefly through the prosecutions of the Society, and they cover a wide and varied range of such offences. A selected list of these convictions, conspicuously posted in markets, near railway stations, police offices, and other public places, would be useful both as a warning against manifest forms of cruelty, and for information as to offences which are now often regarded with indifference.

The greatest number of convictions are for brutal or wanton cruelty, where no defence is offered. The number would he soon diminished if those who observe them would take the trouble to make the charge and to appear as witnesses. When Mr. Richard Martin was in London during the sittings of

57

WILD BIRDS PROTECTION ACT.

Parliament, he never allowed a case of cruelty observed by him to pass unchallenged. The officers of the Society are very active and watchful, but they have a vast field to oversee in the metropolis, and the public must be appealed to for co-operation in preventing or punishing cruelty. By communicating with the secretary, every help will be given in points of doubt or difficulty, and every exertion made to bring offenders to justice, with as little trouble as possible to prosecutors or witnesses.

By existing statutes the protection of law is afforded only to domesticated animals mentioned in the Acts ; but there is no reason why wild animals should not be included in the statutes. Cases have often occurred of the most brutal cruelty towards animals not enumerated in the existing Acts, and the offenders have escaped punishment. It might very safely be left to magistrates to decide whether wanton cruelty has been inflicted, with the right to inflict punishment whatever the animal may be that has been the victim of the cruelty. An amendment of existing Acts is called for, to the extent of rendering any one liable to punishment for wanton cruelty upon any animal, whether "wild" or "domesticated."

There is, indeed, an Act for the Protection of Wild Birds (a large number of which are enumerated), but only during the breeding season. The passing of this law has been due as much to the love of natural history as to the love of humanity. By this Act, any person who shall kill, wound, or take any wild bird named in a list appended, or shall expose or offer for sale any such wild bird recently killed, wounded, or taken between the 15th day of March and the 1st day of August in any year, will be liable to be proceeded against and punished under 35 and 36 Victoria, cap. 78, entitled "An Act for the Protection of certain Wild Birds during the Breeding Seasons"

It would be a good thing if some check could be put upon the destructive proceedings, both of sportsmen and birdcatchers, at

58

EDUCATIONAL INFLUENCES.

all seasons of the year, as well as breeding time. Some latitude must be given, but the wholesale raids, upon singing birds especially, grieve every lover of nature. For the sake of sale as cage birds it is bad enough, but we have no patience with those who encourage the capture of such birds for gluttony.

What shall we say also of the stupid as well as barbarous practices of what are called "sparrow clubs," which wage war not on sparrows only, but all small birds that come in the way? The children in our country schools must be taught how useful the birds are to the gardeners and to the farmers.

For the prevention of some kinds of cruelty to animals it is now universally admitted that the Legislature should interfere, and there is a call for more stringent enactments than are yet on the Statute Book. To give effect to these laws, private individuals ought to lend their aid, and not leave all to be done by official prosecutors. Those who witness acts of cruelty should interfere when interference might be useful, or at least they should be willing to give information and bear testimony against offenders. Masters should see that their servants use animals well. Those who can speak to the public, either from the pulpit or through the press, should lift up their voices in behalf of the dumb. But all these external influences—legal penalties, solemn warnings, earnest pleadings—while useful to some extent, have very small effect compared with what the wider diffusion of a spirit of humanity would secure. This can be attained only by the education and training of the young. Hence the importance of making kindness to animals a special department of instruction in schools, and the earlier in life this is begun the better.

"The spring-time of our years
Is soon dishonoured and defiled in most
By budding ills, that ask a prudent hand
To check them ; and, alas ! none sooner shoots,
If unrestrained, into luxurious growth,
Than cruelty, most devilish of them all."—Cowper.

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EDUCATION OF THE YOUNG.

There is true philosophy and true knowledge of human nature in these lines of the poet. The seeds of selfishness and anger and cruelty are not put into the young heart by any external agency, nor are they carried thither by chance, but they are indigenous there, weeds of native growth, and in that congenial soil readily expand to the crimes by which human nature is disgraced.

A shrewd observer of human nature, the painter Hogarth, has illustrated the fact of "the boy being father of the man," with great fidelity and force, in his pictures of "The Four Stages of Cruelty." A boy begins his career by tormenting animals, and after he has become hardened by repeated acts of barbarity, he at length commits murder, and suffers an ignominious death. The transitions are natural, and unless some superior power interfere to check the early tendency to cruelty, to awaken the conscience, and arrest the degeneracy of the mind, the gradation of crime is inevitable. The Roman emperor who in his childhood took delight in tormenting and killing flies, afterwards found pleasure in persecuting and committing barbarities on his subjects. There may not in all be the same extent of degradation of character, but the tendency is always the same, if the seeds of cruelty are not early checked, and the seeds of kindness and mercy are not early sown and cultivated.

Not only in infant schools, but in classes for all ages, special attention should be given to inculcating humanity to animals. I do not mean that there should be separate teaching at a separate hour for this, but a due share of the teacher's time and care should be bestowed on this department. The principals of training-schools have the greatest influence in their hands to effect this desirable object. To provide books or give advice is not enough, if the teachers do not feel the value of such training. There is a common saying that "the school-master makes the school," and it is true in this special field

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EFFECTS OF EARLY TRAINING IN SCHOOLS.

of instruction. If the teacher has no kindly feeling towards animals, and takes no interest in their life and habits, he will impart no interest to the pupils under his care. I would, therefore, strongly urge that in our training-schools very special attention should be given to this subject. Every teacher, male or female, ought to have some training in natural history, and no certificate should be granted without an examination in this department. There is no need of much technical or scientific knowledge, but a certain amount of intelligent and practical acquaintance with natural history ought to be required, and clear instruction given as to the necessity for attending to the subject of humanity to animals as an important part of every teacher's duties.

Many pleasing instances might be given of the effects of such training on the feelings and conduct of the pupils in the schools where it has been tried. Two of the children attending an infant school at Edinburgh, brothers, about five and four years of age, coming in late one morning, were to go to their seats without censure if they could give an account of what they had been doing, which should be declared satisfactory by the whole school, who were to decide. They stated, separately, that they had been watching the proceedings of a large caterpillar, and noticing the different positions of its body as it crossed their path—that it was now straight or horizontal, then bent, then upright or perpendicular, and finally sloping up when it escaped into a tree. The master asked them, abruptly, "Why did you not kill it ?" The children stared. "Could you have killed it ?" asked the teacher. "Yes, but that would have been cruel and naughty, and a sin against God." The little moralists were acquitted by acclamation. Here was a simple lesson never to be forgotten in that school.

Mrs. Manby, the mistress of the National School at Horseley Heath, Staffordshire, having directed her attention to this

61

TESTIMONIES OF TEACHERS.

subject, her labours were crowned with abundant success. The birds built their nests, and reared their young unmolested, on the walls of the school ; nay, while the classes were employed the happy creatures used to come among them, to pick up the crumbs which the admiring children had thrown for them. If, by chance, a butterfly entered this asylum of mercy, the boys eagerly but gently strove (contrary to the usual propensity of children) which should with the greatest care set it at liberty. As a contrast to this, some children from a neighbouring school, who once were there, before they were observed, plundered one of the nests, and threw the naked helpless young ones about the room, in sport ! It was stated many years ago, that of seven thousand children who had at that time been educated in the school in the Borough Road by Mr. Lancaster, where humanity to animals was specially inculcated, at the date of the report in which the fact is stated, not one had been accused of a criminal offence in any court. So many instances of a similar nature could be added, that we cannot but consider the encouragement of this special instruction as an object of national importance ; and we therefore wish that in all public schools special attention should be directed to this matter.

Lessons founded on the wonderful habits and instincts of animals, and on the benefits, direct and indirect, which man derives from them, are always sure of exciting kindly feelings. The children thus instructed are free from silly prejudices so common against many animals, and are evidently impressed with a feeling of benevolent regard to all animated nature. The mode in which a schoolmaster can by his personal influence promote among his scholars the growth of a feeling of kindness towards animals is described by a Frenchman. M. de Sailly, in a paper which has been published by the English Society's Committee, and which ought to be read by all school-masters. "I have always," says M. de Sailly, "in my forty-six

62

METHODS OF INSTRUCTION.

six years' experience as a schoolmaster, tried to teach children habits of kindness to animals. I well know that early impressions are never forgotten, and a child that is taught humanity to animals will, in later years, learn to love his fellow-men. I have, therefore, taken pains to develop the affections of the children under my care, and to sow the fruitful seeds of kindness, gentleness, and justice towards domestic animals, which are and always will be the farmer's chief wealth ; and also towards others, which, although in a wild state, are no less useful to agriculture, though ignorantly treated as enemies."

The methods by which such instruction may be communicated and such sentiments encouraged are very various, and must be left to the good sense and good feeling of the parent or teacher. One remark only seems necessary. It is far more important in the very young to attend to the formation of character than the impartation of knowledge, and instead of cramming the children with lessons only meant for the memory and the head, a due share of time should be given to subjects which interest the feelings and improve the heart. It is not merely for the sake of the lower animals that we say this, but for the highest advantages of the pupils. As the effects of cruelty are twofold—hurtful to the poor victims and hurtful to those who inflict the injury, so the effects of benevolence are twofold—preventing suffering, and improving the hearts of those who show kindness.

"Mercy is twice blessed ;
It blesseth him that gives, and him that takes."

The help of pictorial art should he largely enlisted in this good work. To some extent this is already done, especially in the excellent periodical, "The Animal World," published by the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. The series, of illustrated volumes, issued by Partridge and Co., have been widely circulated among the homes of the middle

63

HOGARTH'S "FOUR STAGES OF CRUELTY."

and higher classes. For rougher natures, more direct appeals in the way of pictorial effect would be needed. When Hogarth published his four illustrations or cruelty to animals, he wrote thus :—

"The leading points in these prints were made as obvious as possible, in the hope that their tendency might be seen by men of the lowest rank. Neither minute accuracy of design nor fine engraving were deemed necessary, as the latter would render them too expensive for the persons to whom they were intended to be useful. And the fact is that the passions may be more forcibly expressed by a strong bold stroke than by the most delicate engraving. To expressing them as I felt them, I have paid the utmost attention, and, as they were addressed to hard hearts, have rather preferred leaving them hard, and giving the effect by a quick touch, to rendering them languid and feeble by fine strokes and soft engraving. The prints were engraved with the hope of in some degree correcting that barbarous treatment of animals, the very sight of which renders the streets of our metropolis so distressing to every feeling mind. If they have had the effect and checked the progress of cruelty, I am more proud of having been their author than I should be of having painted Raphael's Cartoons."

In the very earliest years, whether at home or in infant schools, kindness to animals should be taught. A mother or teacher can never be at a loss, by teaching or anecdote or example, in impressing the young mind with tender feeling and gentle ways. The kind and considerate treatment of pet birds or animals will come to be observed by the very youngest children. When attention is thus awakened, and the claims of these helpless creatures recognized, it will be easy to produce the most lively and eager interest in all that belongs to animal life. The press teems with publications suitable to be helps in this training. Let me name as an example the books prepared

64

LADIES' COMMITTEE OF R.S.P.C.A.

by the Rev. F. O. Morris for use in juvenile classes and in families. "The Natural History Scrap Book" and other works published by the Religious Tract Society, illustrated by Harrison Weir, are most attractive for young people. But all books of natural history abound in materials which a kind-hearted and judicious parent or teacher can turn to good account. The "Ladies' Committee" of the R.S.P.C.A., of which the Baroness Burdett-Coutts is president, has given valuable aid in the educational department. Through their application the General Committee placed at the disposal of the London School Board £100, to be laid out in prizes for the best essays on humanity to animals. The presentation of these prizes by H. R. H. the Duchess of Edinburgh, formed a notable feature at the jubilee Meeting in Albert Hall. Nearly five hundred boys and girls received prize books or certificates of merit inscribed with their names. Among the successful competitors the eleven prize-bearers each represented a separate school ; and the others who obtained certificates of merit represented three hundred and seventy schools, eighty other schools being represented by pupil teachers. These facts and figures indicate the large attention that has been secured to the subject by the offering of prizes, and this will receive in future the special care of the Ladies' Committee.

But this is only one form of the useful labours of the committee. They have circulated an immense number of leaflets, tracts, pamphlets, and other literature designed to inculcate humane principles. These silent teachers they send into schools, village libraries, reading-rooms, public-houses, prisons, and hospitals: all places, in short, where they are likely to reach the classes for which they are intended. They supply tract distributors and district visitors with such publications for circulation. They have caused numerous addresses and lectures to be delivered, to the working-classes and in schools, on the wonders of the animal kingdom, and the claims which

65

DRINKING AND CATTLE-TROUGHS

animals have upon man for humane treatment. They urge the necessity of introducing such topics in reading-books and copy-slips. They have sent hundreds of thousands of copies of that excellent periodical, "The Animal World," to school masters and mistresses in the United Kingdom and in the Colonies ; and they are unwearied in planning new ways of influencing public opinion in favour of educational efforts in this direction.

It only remains to add that for all this useful work the Ladies' Humane Committee have no special funds, grants being made from the general funds of the Society for any special object recommended by them. It is therefore all the more necessary to remind the reader that the way to help any branch of the good work, whether protective, legal, or educational, is to send the needful supplies to the headquarters at 105, Jermyn Street.

A very simple and practical plan of kindness, both to man and beast, is undertaken by the Metropolitan Drinking and Cattle-Trough Association. This society provides free supplies of water for animals in the streets of London. Upwards of three hundred troughs and fountains have been erected, and are kept in repair, and supplied with water, at no inconsiderable expense. For some of the troughs the charges by the water companies are as high as £30 a year, but then twelve hundred horses, besides oxen, sheep, and year, may drink at a trough on a single day. The friends of the temperance cause, and those who pity the poor animals employed in the service of man, are alike appealed to to maintain and extend this useful association, which is supported entirely by voluntary contributions.