as the reader will have no doubt noticed. The cruel advan- 

 tage taken of thoroughbreds, who will, under any conditions, 

 go as long as their legs will carry them, is only akin to the 

 rascally behaviour of the stableman at a country inn who 

 robs your horse of his feed. Unfortunately this noble animal, 

 so good and useful a servant, is the tool of jockeyism, and an 

 instrument in the hands of filthy lucre. 



Either the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to 

 Animals, or some other institution having for its object 

 improving the condition of the animal, should take early 

 steps for bringing about a better state of matters. I am 

 sure many would feel only too pleased to subscribe to a fund 

 for the passing of legal measures for the better housing and 

 general welfare of this animal. With regard to the S.P.C.A., 

 I would suggest giving money premiums at the end of each 

 year to their officers, In proportion to the number of convic- 

 tions attended by imprisonment or heavy fines. It may 

 happen the officer may not appear in court to sustain the 

 charge, although the witness is present and the case one of 

 gross cruelty. Some Inducement in this manner, by way of 

 a prospective augmentation of Income, might lead to an 

 increase of vigilance, with much advantage to the poor quad- 

 ruped. I am sorry to say that I fear some of these officers 

 are not quite so zealous as the subscribers would wish, judging 

 from the flagrant cases one sees. Generous assistance oueht 

 not to be withheld from a society of this kind, doing, as it 

 is, all in Its power. The claims of such Institutions of a 

 genuine description cannot be too strongly put forward In 

 the Interests of this animal, sent for our use and not to be 

 abused, as we see them daily, which is a shame to this 

 enlightened country. 



