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tion, the results of which are so revolting. The knacker's 

 trade in this extensive place is a lucrative one, and companies 

 have been formed in this line of business, which I understand 

 extends to many departments. London would appear to be 

 its chief centre, as, besides the enormous consumption of 

 horses which have lived here, consignments from the counties 

 of Yorkshire, Lincolnshire, and elsewhere are sent by rail to 

 London almost every night, and go as dead meat, I am told, 

 provided one is slaughtered. This is all done during the 

 night, when no society's officers are abroad. Why this should 

 take place during the night I do not know, except perhaps 

 to save expense and to obtain a better price for the animal 

 alive than dead, or that a form of beastly cruelty may not be 

 observed. 



The laws concerning the transit and protection from un- 

 necessary suffering of animals used for food are lax enough, 

 and want serious alterations, as may have been noticed by any 

 one who has travelled on the cattle-boats between Ireland and 

 this country, say, from Waterford to Milford Haven. These 

 poor animals reach Waterford by train, are taken through the 

 cattle-yards, and from there to the boat ; then they undergo 

 a sea-passage, are disembarked, pass again through the yards, 

 and are sent to their respective destinations by train or other- 

 wise. To be considered fit for human food after passing 

 through this is a question on which an eminent medical opinion 

 would be of value. 



I should much like to go on with the grievances of our 

 friend the horse, but this hardly comes within the province 

 of this little work, which is only designed to stimulate the 

 erection of good stables, well planned and arranged, with 

 some little attempt at scientific principles ; but of this the 



