1H 
EDITORIAL OBSERVATIONS. 
purely veterinary in their character, and this explanation 
must suffice. 
We would, however, now that we have been thus stirred 
up, add a word or two respecting our criticisms generally. 
To all we may not have given satisfaction, — to none have we 
been desirous of giving offence. We have felt anxious to 
hold the balance so even as if Asturia herself sat on the centre 
of the beam. But we remember, when young, being much 
amused with the fable of the “Old Man and his Ass,’* and, 
as we have grown older, we think we have often seen the 
“ moral” thereof exemplified, — that it is impossible to please 
all persons. Yet have we no wish that the result with us 
should be as it was with him : our spirit of acquiescence is 
not yet sufficiently intense for that. 
It has been said that the duty of the critic is to detect and 
point out imperfections ; it is not his to note beauties or per- 
fections. This we fear is too often the case, — hence the 
acerbity that frequently marks his comments ; and this feeling 
is carried by him into every-day life, so that of all men it 
may be said the critical man is the most disagreeable. 
But is it true that this really is the duty of the critic? 
We boldly answer the question in the negative, believing that 
it is rather his to do good, and to give pleasure and gratifi- 
cation, when he can do so faithfully. To denounce error, 
unquestionably he has not only a right, but it is his province ; 
as w r ell as to point out false inferences and principles : but 
captious criticism about a w^ord or questionable opinion is 
altogether unworthy of him, or to take advantage of an occa- 
sional “ slip of the pen,” thus magnifying errors of no mo- 
ment. It w r ould be w T ell, perhaps, for him to remember that 
he, too, is mortal, and liable to err, while assuredly he is the 
happiest man who contributes most to the happiness of others. 
Of course every author desires that the critic would “ do 
his spiriting gently,” manifesting much of human kindness, 
being of venial faults forgetful, and to mistakes a little blind. 
It is no proof of strength or valour to torture a butterfly, and 
the friendly advice will often do more good than the rebuff 
or sarcasm. 
