TOUCH NOT THE LORD'S ANOINTED. 67 



premises, how long I should be suffered to enjoy my 

 pursuit. I rather think Mr. Smell wash the Excise- 

 man would very soon teach me how far the liberty of 

 the subject would avail me; but by this certain 

 duties to the Excise would be lost by baiting a 

 bull, none! 



There can be no doubt but the Society for the 

 Suppression of Cruelty has had this good effect it 

 has in a very great measure prevented the exhibition 

 of it in the public streets ; but the punishment they 

 are permitted to inflict is so trifling that the desired 

 end is not attained to one half the extent it might be. 

 I trust every one will allow that the sufferings of 

 animals in performing the ordinary tasks demanded 

 of them are quite sufficient, without subjecting them 

 to an extra, and unnecessary share of them. I have 

 endeavoured in a few cases to show what is and what 

 is not cruelty towards them. I leave it in abler 

 hands to decide on what would be the most ready, 

 effective, and lasting mode of preventing or punishing 

 what really is cruelty. 



