210 EVILS OF MODERN STABLES. 



halter its own head to one of the mangers ; consequently, so far it must 

 be esteemed guiltless. But the creature, being there, leaped into a recep- 

 tacle intended for food, and placed before it, thus obtaining a power of 

 seeing around it. 



The last act argues discontent, and discontent has never been ranged 

 with amiable qualities. Still, it is not commendable to be contented, 

 when we possess ability to improve our situation. Eyes certainly are 

 natural gifts ; their presence supposes a divine permission that sight 

 should be exercised, since the wish to use them is an innate impulse. 

 Man himself often endures much inconvenience and pays large sums, 

 simply to gratify his eyes with the momentary spectacle of some gor- 

 geous procession. The act, which has never been accused as a crime in 

 the lords of the creation, should not, therefore, be esteemed unpardonable 

 when, exemplified by an animal which is occupying an inappropriate 

 position. 



Next, let us ask, what excuse can be urged to extenuate a deed which 

 has already been shown to be less than a fault, and to be far removed 

 from the category of crime ? The horse is formed by nature with a love 

 of action. In a modern stable it is tied by. the head, while the stall par- 

 titions are of sufficient height to isolate its misery. The poor quadruped 

 may have stood where it stands for several consecutive hours. The 

 manger is fixed directly before it; the r^eptacle has been empty some 

 time ; the thing is clearly not wanted now to hold food : yet, there the 

 open box remains. The head is tied to it; the animal cannot escape 

 from looking on and into it ; till speculation, which concern the possible 

 intention implied by the fixature of the article, takes absolute possession 

 of the equine mind. 



At last a bright idea descends ; the manger is thought to be placed 

 where it is, as an easy step for the animal's - feet to rest upon. The 

 wood-work is situated at a convenient distance from the ground. Man 

 could not have supposed the horse wanted victuals lifted to its mouth, 

 when every field exhibits one of the tribe lowering its head to gather 

 herbage from the earth ? Such a notion is ridiculous I The corn must 

 be cast into the manger, simply because the thing is ready to receive it ; 

 .but its real purpose has only been recently discovered. A slight but 

 •.pleasing effort raises the forefeet on to the imaginary platform. The 

 creature is delighted with its elevated position, for the view from it is 

 agreeably extended. Assuredly, to discover a new use for an old article, 

 merits esteem ; and blame, if any blame be called for, should light on 

 him who has imprudently placed temptation before an idle spirit, believ- 

 ing animal nature to be too passive for any temptation to aft'ect it. Man, 

 therefore, was disappointed by the quadruped proving more intelligent 



