INTRODUCTION 



man. Their structure, their characteristics, 

 their pecuharities, g'i\'e rise to \'ery remarkable 

 comparisons. Numberless are the traditions, 

 the anecdotes, and the facts which show to what 

 extraordinary development the intelligence or 

 instinct of these animals can attain, whether 

 spontaneously, or by exercise or experience. 



How is it possible not to 

 wonder on seeing a hunting 

 dog stop short in the open 

 country, motionless as a 

 statue, seeing nothing around 

 him for yards till the par- 

 tridges take wing, giving proof 

 of the flair of the animal ! 



Horses and some other 

 species of domestic animals 

 have also given almost incred- 

 ible proofs of intelligence, 

 attachment, courage, and cau- 

 tion, which can only increase 

 the regard they inspire in us. 



All this, no doubt, increases 

 the desire to know more of the 

 life of animals, and this desire 

 we shall try to satisfy in the 

 course of this work. 



We have given our atten- 

 tion, in certain places, to the 

 manner in which sick or 

 wounded animals should be 

 cared for. In civilized society. 



a society of progress, all negligence 

 of the comfort and \\ell-l)eing ol ani- 

 mals is a step backwaixl in the path 

 of ci\ili/ation. In such a societ)', 

 sure!}', we ought to find as)lums lor 

 animals, and tlie art of animal heal- 

 ing should obtain unixei'sal sym])athy. 

 Nor should we fail to s|)eak of the 

 protection due to animals from the 

 point (jf \-iew of humanity as well as 

 of usefulness. It is [jro])er here lo 

 insist once again upon the fact that 

 ex'ery one can contribute in a xast 

 degree — if he will — to diminish the 

 unnecessary sufferings endured dail}' 

 by cats, dogs, and hf)rses; for instance, 

 many children, whf)se education has been sadly 

 neglected, make martyrs of cats and dogs. 



If, therefore, this work can attain its object, 

 it will not only afford a few hours' amusement 

 to the reader, but it will benefit more than one of 

 those intelligent creatures who, during our own 

 li\-es, have lived with us as faithful companions. 



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