BIPEDS AND QUADRUPEDS. 145 



be an improper, though very common epithet, used 

 when speaking of the peasant; or of any man whose 

 conduct is that of a respectable one, and whose 

 feelings are of a commendable character. Such a man 

 is merely one of the poorer class, and it is to be re- 

 gretted that he is so. But in speaking of the lower 

 classes, I allude to those of low and degraded minds 

 and pursuits. Such are the persons by whom animals 

 often most cruelly suffer, and it is to such that, 

 though in a situation to most need reformation, 

 I fear any address on such a subject as humanity 

 would be absolutely useless. Where the peasant 

 or poor man is kind to his fellow- man or to the dumb 

 animal, such conduct is not the result of education 

 or instruction — it proceeds from direct and Heaven- 

 born kindliness of disposition and goodness of heart, 

 and shews far brighter in him than in the more gifted 

 and better informed ; he wants no instruction to be 

 kind, nature has been his best and efficient preceptor 

 on this point ; if he does want any, it is only how and 

 where to be kind, and how and where to avoid an 

 unkindly act. Far more to be envied is such a man 



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