Ke 
1808.] On the frequency of Accidents by setting Clothes on Fire. 2% 
To the Editor of the Monthly Magazine. of carnage; but to the man who feels 
SIR, anxious for the peace and prosperity of 
CONSIDER it of much importance _ his felluw-beings, and contemplates their 
to enquire the cause to whichis to be felicity with glowing pleasure, such 
attributed, the unexampled number of scevesare painfully disgusting. He turns 
fatal accidents which have lately occur- from them with horror and indignation, 
red, by persons setting their clothes on is equally astonished at the wickedness 
fire? Secondly, what are the best means which could contrive, and the ferocity 
: of preventing these fatal accidents in fue that could execute purposes su destructive 
ture? And lastly, enquire of your medi- of the human species, and hails with tens 
cal readers, on the occurrence of acase fvld raptare the blessings arising from 
of this dreadful nature, in the absence social intercourse and domestic happiness. 
of all medical assistance, what is the best Similar to these were my reflections af- 
instant application ; or the most proper ter conversing with a loquacious old wo- 
means to be taken to relieve and save the man who passed me in the street the other - 
guberer 2 day leading a female ass, followed by her 
The importance of this subject, Ithink, foal; the latter was rather playful, and 
*must be evident to every one, fromthe she was stopping tll it came up. I de- 
‘alarming increase of these domestic tra~ manded of her the price of the young 
\ gedies. Within the short period of six one, ‘Tis not to be sold,” she replied, 
months, scarcely a week has. past with- “ my husband means to keep it to do the 
out the public prints having recorded work of this poor old creature,” patting 
one or two accidents of this sort, attended her upon the back, and in the tenderest 
with the most distressing particulars, tone of concern ; “she has been the best 
1 ein aware, it will be said by some, creature in the world: when she first be- 
who glance over these matters superficial- came the property of my husband, she 
ly, that the majority of victims, which had been used most cruelly; her back 
perish in this way, are women and chil- was hurt, she was all over sores and 
dren; and therefore, the cause must evi- bruises, and could scarcely walk; but we 
_ dently be sought for, in the cobweb dra- nursed her up, and by good treatment 
pery, with which capricious fashion adorns and well-keeping, soon got her about, 
her votaries. 1 admit, one of the causes She has amply rewaided us for our painss 
may be found here; but how does this for in Midsummer time we make a good 
account for their frequency at this period? deal by her milk,’and she serves well for 
7 particuiarly, when we consider, that mus- my husband to bring fruit and other 
lins, gauses, and other light combustible things out of the country: in winter too 
articles, have been worn by our females she does all that is required of her; but 
and children for these several years past; poor thing her feet begin now to fail, and 
with but a very comparatively small pro- she must soon give up working, but a 
portion of accidents having occured, better-tempered quieter creature. never 
And what is still more extraordinary, in lived ; and as for that poor little fellow, 
France, Germany, Holland, and imleed though he be a little playful occasionally, 
every other part of Europe, where the he means no harm, but is so gentle you 
female attire Is composed of equally com- may do any thing with him, and see how 
bustible materials, and where the habits well he looks. This (said she, in a tone 
and manners of the people equally ex- of affection and pleasure) is all from good 
pose them to similar danger, such ca- treatment; and shame on those, for many 
tastrophes (if my information be correct) there are, who behave with cruelty te’ 
are almost unknown. poor dumb animals!” 
Yowr’s, &c. I confess I was singularly affected by 
E, Lypsart, the feeling concern expressed by this 
as good woman for her asses; particularly 
Fo the Editor of the Monthly Magazine. when I contrasted it with the barbarity 
SIR, with which these unfortunate animals are 
‘ NY trait characteristic of humanity too often treated : and as they are much 
to the brute creation, will not, [ used, and found very serviceable im this 
presume, be deemed unworihy your no- town and vicinity, the unpleasant spec« 
tice, though apparently of a trifling na-_ tacle of their sufferings too often obtrudes 
ture. Politicians may contend for the itself to escape observation, 
. utility of barbarous sports to the people — Whilst we have so many advocates for 
of a country, in giving them a warlike the slave trade, the policy of keeping the 
cast, and fituing them fox the hormid work poor in ignorance, the disgraceful disci+ 
pline 
