282 HUMANITY SHOULD BE EARLY INCULCATED. 



false notions of courage and spirit^ are suffered to take 

 birds' nests, to tyrannize over horses and dogs, &c. till 

 their feelings are blunted to a degree that influences 

 their conduct the rest of their lives. This prevails 

 most where there is least cultivation ; consequently, 

 we see animals treated with the most unfeeling bar- 

 barity by butchers, fishmongers, poulterers, draymen, 

 cattle- drivers, &c. But can we expect reformation, 

 whilst those who should know better buy crimped 

 fish, and deal with poulterers who pluck their fowls 

 before they are dead^? which is a common practice, 

 because it is done with less trouble. The lesson of 

 humanity to every thing that breathes should be 

 taught from the very dawn of reason, and repeated on 

 every occasion of enforcing it. Angling with worms, 

 birds'-nesting, and spinning cockchafers, are, by the 

 unthinking, overlooked in their children as the com- 

 mon amusements of their age ; but they harden the 

 heart, and sow the seeds of a cruel disposition, that 

 is often exercised towards wives, children, and ser- 

 vants. 



My warmth on this subject is probably increased 

 by the severe discipline of a horse-breaker to a colt of 

 my father's. I remonstrated day after day, but could 

 gain no attention, or any other reply than " it was 

 necessary to bring him to obedience." Mr. Craven 

 happened to call at this time : I renewed the subject, 



