THE BEE. 153 



tebrate forms, in which we find the first indications of 

 an independent power of action ; another instance this 

 of the unity of purpose and regularity of design that 

 characterize the development of mind in the animal 

 kingdom. 



But there is in the character of the domesticated 

 animals one moral trait which, above all others, leads 

 us to a comparison of their natures with our own, 

 and that is, the consciousness of having committed a 

 fault or performed a meritorious act ; in other words, 

 their limited sense of right or wrong. 



It is needless to refer to books for exemplifications 

 of the truth of this statement ; for who that has kept 

 a favourite dog does not know that the animal is 

 frequently conscious whether its actions deserve re- 

 ward or pimishment? And if we come to compare 

 our treatment of these creatures with our method of 

 dealing with our own little ones whilst the instincts 

 still predominate in these, we shall find that unfor- 

 tunately the same rod is too often applied to both, in 

 order to suppress their mischievous propensities, and 

 to instil a sense of duty and propriety. 



The means employed in either case are probably 

 injudicious, and the result of ignorance on the part 

 of the tutor*, but the end is similar in both ; in the 

 case of the domesticated animal, to educe that in- 



* Witness the modem mode of treating children in public 

 schook, as compared with the whipping system of old ; and Mr. 

 Earey's method of training horses, in contrast with the use of 

 the whip and spur. 



H 5 



