EDITORIAL OBSERVATIONS. 
399 
an enormous tumour, which had formed at the back of the neck. All 
curative means had failed, and it was decided that a very formidable 
operation must be performed. There was great danger connected with 
the attempt, on account of the vast irresponsible strength of the 
elephant. Our friend determined that his own hand should be the one 
to test the creature’s power of endurance, though the peril to himself 
was of course imminent. At the appointed hour, the elephant was led 
out. His attendant stood in front of him, and gave him the word of 
command to kneel down. Down lumbered the huge mass of unimpaired 
strength. Not a rope, not a chain, or bond of any kind was cast about 
him. Our friend approached, and made a fearfully deep incision. The 
elephant heaved one great sob from the depths of his -panting chest, 
and recognising in a moment the meaning of that sudden agony, he 
quietly leaned over towards the operator, in order that he might have better 
command over his work. With the exception of this single movement, 
he never stirred or gave sign during the whole course of the operation. 
Surely there is moral grandeur in this scene, and it is a relief to one’s 
feelings to know that the courage of the skilful operator and of the 
noble sufferer were repaid by complete recovery. 
A fine black retriever dog, of our acquaintance, once met with a pain¬ 
ful accident. He immediately betook himself to that one of his two 
mistresses in whose surgical skill he seemed to place the most confidence, 
and she bravely removed the damaged and useless claw. Ever after this, 
if he had the slightest ache or pain, he used to betake himself to her 
as to a general practitioner of ascertained ability. 
It is almost inconceivable that any one should be found, who can 
wilfully ill-use any of God’s creatures, when they prove themselves to be 
capable of such a fine appreciation of moral motive.” 
Since writing the above, the following has appeared in the 
daily papers:— 
“ A numerous meeting of the Paris Society for the Pro¬ 
tection of Animals was held on Monday, at the Salle des 
Arts et Metiers, at which a deputation from the London 
Society was invited to attend. The deputation consisted of 
Sir John Scott Lillie, Professor Spooner, the Rev. Mr. Jack- 
son, and Mr. Adam Smith. Various interesting speeches 
were delivered in favour of humanity, Christianity, and 
civilisation all over the globe—objects which both Societies 
had in view. Sir J. S. Lillie, on being called upon, drew 
their attention from the lower to the upper class of animals, 
by reminding his hearers that, as the proposed object of both 
