310 Our Noblest Friend, The Horse 



ming short his fetlocks, etc. ; and then suddenly to 

 turn this mutilated and effeminate creature out from 

 his accustomed haven to* shift for himself, and to 

 submit to the vicissitudes of the weather as best he 

 may, is surely the refinement of cruelty, and the 

 fact that it is the result of thoiightfulness or of 

 mistaken ideas of kindness render it no more excus- 

 able than if the outcome of a deliberate intention to 

 torture; while the difference in cost between tiie 

 bare necessities of existence, as furnished by the 

 overstocked, ill-watered, and poorly shaded pasture- 

 field, and the provision of comfortable box stall, 

 ample food and drink, and protection during the 

 daytime is too immaterial to merit consideration. 



