1809.] Society for the Abolition of Cruelty to Animals. 
glad to be confirmed by Jussieu, in my 
idea of affinity between the thea and 
the citrus aurantium; which, however, 
is of a class much more naturally distinct 
in its fructification trom both than the 
myrtus and thea from each other; being 
of the polyadelphia, ‘his serves to 
prove, however, that the thea dces par- 
take of the natural habit and character 
of the myrti aud of the aurantia; and 
as [ said, perhaps not improperly, that it 
seems to form an intermediate between 
the two. 
I am obliged to your correspondent 
Theiphilus, who I doubt not ts a better 
botanist than I pretend to be: but can 
hardly be a greater lover of plants. 
The ditference between opposite and 
alternate jJeaves, he will allow me to re- 
mark (and those of the thea, are not very 
regularly alternate) will not exclude 
plants thus distinguished from the same 
Linnean genus, though it may constitute 
a specific difference. In this I think we 
are not likely to have any controversy. 
At the same time, this minor difference 
becomes of more consequence, when 
other circumstances, and those of more 
characteristic difference, concur with it. 
I ain obliged, with your other readers 
who are fond of plants, by his remarks 
on the superior hardiness of the thea 
viridis. Mine is the bohea, and con- 
tinuesin good health, with the very plea- 
sing light verdure of its fresh foliage. I 
have not yet ventured to expose it to the 
cold winds. 
I will net take exceptions to the an- 
alogy of the signature ; thoughif it relates 
to the plant, and not to a religious im- 
port, the 2 can hardly have place, and it 
would be difficult to find a correct and 
unambiguous form. ‘Theophilus seems 
to be right: as Musophilus. But it 
would be still the same ambiguity. 
Troston, Your’s, &c. 
Aprii 9, 1809. Carpet Lorer. 
P.S. If I have been a little out of my la- 
titude in this instance, Theiphilus has given 
much proof, and very agreeably, that polite: 
ness, candour, and agreeable manners, with 
knowledge and information, are within his. 
I had rather have such censure than praise, 
such as it is often given, 
The Camellia 1 find placed in the 16th 
class the monadelphia, a distinction which 
appears as considerable as the difference be- 
tween the icosandra, and the polyandra, Yet 
I will not deny a considerable affinity between 
the thea and the camellia: for I think it 
exists. 
355 
To the Editor of the Monthly Magazine. 
SIR, 
OR several years past I have had it in 
contemplation to propose the form- 
ation of asociety, fur the abolition of 
cruelty to animals, and have mentioned 
the subject to several friends, who are 
eager to see so necessary and practicable 
a measure carried into execution. I shall 
not expatiate here upon the various abuses, 
to which domesticated animals are sub- 
jected ; unfortunately they are too notori- 
ous; but shall only for the present observe, 
that in busy commercial towns, the most 
obvious (as they daily obtrude on the ob- 
servation) are the overloading of cart-hor- 
ses, and the consequent violence too often 
used, to enforce the performance of un- 
reasonable tasks imposed upon these use= 
ful and noble animals, by the most har- 
dened rutians. Fortunately, this species 
of abuse is cognizable by our laws, and I 
ain happy to bear testimony from experi- 
ence, of the promptitude which the ma- 
gistrates of this place have sbewn, in 
fining the carters, upon information; but 
at the same time sorry to express my con- 
Viction, that, for one delinquent thus pu- 
nished, fifty, or perhaps a hundred, es- 
cape. The immediate object therefore 
of the society proposed, would be to cor- 
rect those shameful practices, as the most 
flagrant and the most easily detected: 
but the good must not rest here, every 
species of wanton cruelty to animals 
should be investigated, and followed by 
such punishment as the law allows; and 
this brings me to the immediate object 
of my present letter, which is, to request 
that some of your numerous correspon- 
dents, who think the subject worthy of 
the serious consideration of rational be- 
logs, will favour me, through the medium 
of your useful publication, with some in- 
formation of the law respecting the 
wantonly abusing animals; and refer to 
books where the subject is treated of, or 
ay how tar magistrates are empowered 
to pass bye-laws on this subject, where 
the law of the land fails, to reach the 
case. I hope at some future period to 
explain the plan more fully; bat in the 
mean time shall feel particularly obliged 
by any hints, tending to its progress; and 
have littke doubt but some humane and 
intelligent correspondent will think the 
subject not beneath his notice. — 
Liverpool, Yous, &c. 
January, 1809. EK. SMITH, 
-: . MEMOIRS 
