CHAP. II.
The Treatment of Animals.—The Difference between them and Man.—The Parental Affection of a Dog.—Brutality puniſhed.
AFTER breakfaſt, Mrs. Maſon gave the children Mrs. Trimmer's Fabulous Hiſtories; and the ſubject ſtill turned on animals, and the wanton cruelty of thoſe who treated them improperly. The little girls were eager to expreſs their deteſtation, and requeſted that in future they might be allowed to feed the chickens. Mrs. Maſon complied with their requeſt; only one condition was annexed to the premiſſion, that they did it regularly. When you wait for your food, you learn patience, ſhe added, and you can mention your wants; but thoſe helpleſs creatures cannot complain. The country people frequently ſay,—How can you treat a poor dumb beaſt ill; and a ſtreſs is very properly laid on the word dumb; for dumb they appear to thoſe who do not obſerve their looks and geſtures;
