BIPEDS AND QUADRUPEDS. 149 



I am quite sure some such feeling actuates the 

 ideas and conduct of certain classes ; a favourite 

 dog, if he has allotted to him as soft, or a softer bed 

 than man has to sleep upon, becomes an object of 

 detestation to the jaundiced eye ; those who are paid 

 to attend on animals, in lieu of being kind to them, 

 a the primary cause of their employ and advantage, 

 feel a degree of jealousy of the animal, because he 

 enjoys, in his way, as much comfort as the man. 

 The fact is, the overweening vanity and domineering 

 spirit of man is such, that not being in a position to 

 lord it over his compeers, the lower orders, having 

 nothing lower in the shape of man to tyrannise over, 

 vent their petty spleen and tyranny on the dumb 

 animal. 



It may seem a strange truth, though it is one, 

 that those who derive their living and comforts from 

 the exertions of animals, usually show the least con- 

 sideration towards them ; but this is readily ac- 

 counted for : they gain, we will say, ten shillings by 

 the fair exertion of the animal ; if, by cruelty and 

 oppression, fifteen are to be made, cruelty and 



