REVIEW— HUMANITY TO BRUTES. 
271 
the work are sufficiently carried out in the latter. For instance, on 
the plucking of the live goose, our author states, in one place, that 
it “ carries cruelty on the face of it;” but, in a few sentences after- 
wards, he says, “ At all events, I would say, that if interest and 
custom must sanction the stripping of the living fowl, it should be 
done as gently as possible.” Now, we would say, it should not 
be done at all. And we would ask — How would man like to have 
his hair plucked from his head twice or thrice a-year, to stuff our 
cushions with, if it should be thought to make them more easy, 
even though he may enjoy the pleasures of a comfortable wig? 
We think that he would prefer having them stuffed with straw 
rather than submit to so painful an operation. These, however, 
are mere matters of opinion, and which do not detract from the 
general excellency of the work. 
The remarks on the dissections of living animals will find an 
echo in every humane heart, and there are many hints there stated 
which we veterinary surgeons would do well to consider. 
We were going to add a word or two on the future state of 
brutes; but, seeing that our candle is nearly burnt out, we beg leave 
to wish our author “ Good night,” thanking him for the pleasant 
treat he has afforded us, and for the useful hints which his book 
contains. The whole of its contents we hope every veterinary sur- 
geon — nay, every individual — will make himself acquainted with; 
and that it may fulfil the purposes for which the author has been 
induced to submit it to the public, is the sincere wish of his grate- 
ful Friend, 
Christopher South, V.S. 
[I will not pretend that I do not know the author of this critique, 
notwithstanding his assumed name. I do know him, and highly 
value him. Praise from 'such an one is indeed dear to me; and 
the more so, as coming perfectly unsolicited and unexpected. If I 
dared, I could produce passages from this very book which would 
prove how deeply he is interested in the cause of humanity. At 
no distant period, I trust that I may be enabled to do so. In 
the mean time, I do assure him, that if, what I have scarcely the 
vanity to expect, another edition of this little work should be re- 
quired, I will shew him that his hint with regard to the latter part 
of it has not been thrown away. — Y.] 
