174 A FARMER'S YEAR 



To-day there is a gale from the sou'-west. In the morning the 

 farrier came to perform a rather serious operation upon two 

 yearling colts. Within five minutes of its conclusion I saw one 

 of them eating hay, and Fairhead told me that the other com- 

 menced to feed so soon as it had strugi^led on to its legs. This 

 strikes me as an instructive commentary upon the often argued 

 point as to whether or no animals feel pain as intensely as human 

 beings. It must be remembered that in their case anaesthetics 

 are not employed, and I conclude, therefore, that the answer to 

 the question is — in diplomatic phrase — in the negative. Even 

 after having a double tooth out or a finger-nail removed, no man — at 

 least no white man— could sit down and enjoy an immediate lunch. 

 I have, however, known cases of Zulus sitting apparently uncon- 

 cerned while boiling water from a kettle was poured into an open 

 wound ; but I believe that this is not because they are insensible to 

 pain, but owing to the natural iieroism of their characters, which 

 forbids them to show any outward sign of suffering. Also I have 

 known native women perform feats under trying domestic circum- 

 stances which, if narrated, would appear almost incredible. 'i"o 

 what this hardiness is owing I am not in a position to say ; the 

 question is one for medical men. 



It is, however, satisfactory to be able to conclude that dumb 

 animals do not suffer in the same proportion as more highly 

 organised and nervous creatures ; for, otherwise, between birth 

 and the butv.''er in many instances they would be called upon to 

 endure more than it is pleasant to contemplate. 



On the farm the faggot-carting and ploughing are going on, but 

 I have not seen much of them, as to-day has been one of political 

 excitement. Having received an urgent note from a friend and 

 neighbour informing me that he was to take the chair to-night 

 at a meeting in support of Mr. Holmes in his own parish, and 

 requesting my assistance, I struggled gallantly against the gale 

 on a bicycle to his house to tell him that I had already promised 

 to speak elsewhere. As this intelligence seemed to disappoint 

 him, I added that it was a matter of complete indifference to me 



