170 BIPEDS AND QUADRUPEDS. 



wanting mercy to the suifering one. Cruelty is one 

 of the few crimes that can scarcely be too heavily 

 punished, and such punishment should never be 

 remitted, for we s^re not only punishing a man for 

 his acts, but may be sure we punish a savage in 

 heart and mind. , 



There are few duties more imperative on parents 

 than that of bringing up their children with a con- 

 tempt for, and detestation of cruelty, and also with 

 a proper consideration of the feelings of everything 

 under, or that will become under their control ; yet 

 this is a duty that, in a general way, is less attended 

 to than most others : every one will have something 

 under his command and control ; to get command is 

 one of the great objects of man's life, so to learn 

 how to command is one of his first duties. Children, 

 or, at all events, boys, should never be allowed 

 dominion over any living thing without being nar- 

 rowly watched ; they are all, more or less, from one 

 cause or other, prone to cruelty and annoying ; they 

 fancy their tyranny over animals elevates their 

 character, by shewing their power. I have often 



