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Record of the Month,

WE have received the twelfth annual report of the Dublin Home for Forsaken Cats, the pioneer Society in its own branch of humane work. It shows a good year's work amongst the helpless outcasts, and we quite agree with the remark contained in it that there ought to be such a Home in every town.

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THE Rev. F. Lawrence, Hon. Sec. Church Society for the Promotion of Kindness to Animals, has written as follows:-" Westow Vicarage, York, June 12th, 1897. I desire to ask you to let everyone know, who is interested in this matter that in future, before any person is permitted to speak at any of our meetings, an enquiry will be first of all made if he is a licensed vivisector, in which case he will not be asked to speak. Hitherto this precaution has not been taken.-I am, yours very truly, F. LAWRENCE."

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THE Committee of the Battersea Dogs' Home have purchased the freehold of a large and picturesque piece of ground at Hackbridge, in Surrey, to be used as a sanatorium for the better dogs passing through their hands. When funds permit it is intended to erect kennels, and establish the dogs under thoroughly comfortable and healthy conditions. It will be a real home for them, where they will have the best of treatment and plenty of daily exercise. This is a step in the right direction, and we trust it will meet with the support it deserves. Our readers will be glad to learn that the deed of conveyance contains a clause binding the managers of the Home never, at any time, to sell dogs for vivisection or any experimental purpose whatever.

ON January 22nd, 1896, Mrs. Williams opened the London Home for Lost and Starving Cats at 80, Park Road, Hampstead, and in the first year received, sheltered, and humanely disposed of 2,450 wretched, homeless cats; some were sent to good homes, but 80 per cent. went to their last and long sleep in the Battersea lethel chamber. The number has reached now the large figure of 3,923, making an average of from 90 to 106 homeless cats received weekly. Mrs. Williams has pursued her work in the face of all sorts of sneers and laughs, but is deeply grateful for the progress of her rescue work in such a short time. The Home is under the patronage of their Graces the Duke of Portland and the Duchesses of Bedford, Wellington, Sutherland, and others, but the funds are very low, as the expenses average £8 weekly, and help is earnestly solicited. Inspection of the Home is invited. The report is sent free.

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THE ILL-TREATMENT OF HORSES.

A deputation from the Humanitarian League waited on Sir E. Bradford, Commissioner of Police, on May 14th, to urge on him the desirability of issuing instructions to the police to act more promptly and on their own initiative when they witness cases of illtreatment of horses. The matter, which is a perfectly simple one, seems to present great difficulties to the official minds at New Scotland Yard, who have much difficulty in deciding what cruelty is, and also do not see their way to instruct the police to caution wrongdoers in this particular matter-though they are continually doing it in hundred other matters because unless the case was one in which it was possible to prosecute any interference on the constable's part might place him in an awkward position. As we happen to know several constables who do act as the League desires, in spite of their reputed difficulties at head-quarters, it is clear that the difficulties are rather imaginary than real, and we hope the Commissioner will come to see that his position is a very weak

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THE ANTI-BEARING-REIN ASSOCIATION, the re-constitution of which was announced in our last issue, has now commenced its work by the publication of an illustrated pamphlet mainly directed against the use of the tight "gag" bearing-rein, so disgracefully in vogue in the world of fashion. The illustrations comprise an unpublished sketch of Her Majesty

on the Riviera, driving without bearing-reins, and a reproduction of the three horses' heads, "Comfort," "Discomfort," and "Torture," published some years ago in Mr. Flower's book, "Bits and Bearing-reins." The work of the Association will also be specially directed to the abolition of the cart-horse bearing or hame-rein, which is productive of so much discomfort to draught horses, especially on steep slopes. This objectionable kind of bearing-rein (so well illustrated and condemned in leaflet No. 36, issued by the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) is unknown throughout Scotland, and is not used in London by the railway companies, the large brewers, and the principal coal merchants. Further information and specimens of pamphlets, etc., may be had gratis on application to the honorary secretaries, CHAS. H. ALLEN, F.R.G.S., 17, Well Walk, Hampstead, N.W., and ARCHIBALD FLOWER, C.C., The Hill, Stratford-on-Avon.

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THE MORAVIAN MISSIONS AND VIVISECTION. The members of the Moravian Mission Board sincerely regret the great increase of the practice of vivisection in the medical schools in Europe and America, believing that the practice tends to blunt the hearts of those who engage in it, and have therefore resolved:

"That candidates of our Medical Missionary Service shall, in attending any such schools, keep clear from such practices as far as possible; that our medical missionaries shall be distinctly informed of our views on this subject, both before commencing their medical training, and subsequently on entering on service in the fields; and that the teaching and practice of vivisection shall be strictly prohibited in any hospital, college, or other medical institution connected with our missions."

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The above was held at Devonshire House, Bishopsgate Street, London, on Friday evening, the 21st of May, and was well attended. President, Joseph Storrs Fry, being prevented from arriving until late in the evening, the chair was taken by EDMUND WRIGHT BROOKS, who expressed his belief that there was great want of information on the subject in the Society of Friends, and that we ought to abide by our consciences, even when opposed to medical opinions. He said that long Latin words like "vivisection" were feeble; the plain, Anglo-Saxon title of their Association was "the Anti-cutting-up-alive Society."

The Rev. JOHN BAIRD, a deputation from the Scotch Anti-vivisection Society, said we must not be discouraged if we seem to be in a minority for a time, and remarked that honest vivisectionists had admitted that results of vivisection must be tested by vivisection of human beings before conclusive evidence could be obtained.

T. BEAVER CLARK instanced the fact that henbane, while injurious to fowls, was harmless to pigs, as illustrating the inconclusive nature of inferences drawn from the action of drugs on the lower animals.

JOHN WILLIAM GRAHAM, M.A., said that vivisection was contrary to the spirit of the New Testament, which told them that "God is love," and alluded to the suffering of animals experimented on to test their capacity for pain. He could not admit the right of man to make discoveries at any cost, nor the claim that that which was fair and just and loving should be subjected to the intellect.

JOSEPH STORRS FRY said the subject was connected with their deepest religious convictions, and that if they were wrong on any moral question their power was weakened in all directions. That they sometimes met good men who took wrong views on this subject was due to their approaching it with prejudice and from the wrong side.

SAMUEL BECK said that the principles of their religion were very simple: They were expected to suffer for others, but had no right to make others suffer for them.

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HUMANE EDUCATION OF SCHOOLS. "An effort is to be made during the present session of the Legislature of Texas (we will add for the benefit of our foreign readers, the largest of the States, having an area of 237,504 square miles, and being nearly six times as large as the great State of Pennsylvania), to secure a law for humane education in the

public schools. A law of this sort covering such an immense area in a part of the country where it is so specially needed would indeed be a great triumph, and we sincerely hope that every effort will be made to secure its enactment. Following is the text of the proposed law:

"Be it enacted by the Legislature of the State of Texas:

"SECTION 1.-That there shall be taught in the public schools of this State, in addition to other branches of study now prescribed, a system of humane treatment to animals.

"SEC. 2.-Each school supported wholly or in part by the public funds of this State, or any county or city in this State, shall instruct all scholars in the laws of this State, as embodied in the penal code or other laws, pertaining to humane treatment of animals, and such studies on the subject as the Board of Education may adopt, such instruction to consist of not less than two lessons per week during the school year (of not less than ten minutes each).

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Our Birds.

BY THE REV. J. STRATTON, M.A.

VER open as are the season. Our fly-catchers have done this

columns of the Animals' Friend to communications relative to our feathered friends I offer no apology for once more bringing under notice the birds at Lucas Hospital, Wokingham. For several years we have cultivated a close acquaintance with our birds and every season seems to cement the friendship and confidence between us.

Last winter we adopted the plan of feeding them at our bedroom window upon a little table erected for the purpose, and most willingly did they avail themselves of the arrangement. Every morning at a given hour a crowd would be waiting for the opening of the window and putting out of the wonted meal; and if by any chance we were unpunctual a vigorous tapping at the pane would express the impatience felt by the winged dependents outside. Frequently, when the window was raised and the food kept back, the bolder spirits would enter the room to search for it. The tamest among the throng were, I think, the chaffinches.

When the nesting time approached we observed a result of the winter feeding. It was that the main body of the birds forsook the back garden, where they had largely built in previous years, and erected their nests all about the house, close to doors and windows, from the evident desire to be as near as possible to those whom they had found true friends. A pair of wrens constructed a nest only a few inches from the handle of a door that is used every day, and many of the other sorts thrust themselves into notice in an equally striking manner. It is remarkable how frequently birds will build in the same spot season after

for seven years in succession I believe, and our wagtails have been almost similarly constant. The latter take up their abode an inch or two from a gatebell, whose clatter one would fancy would frighten them out of their wits.

Sparrows are without number, and, sparrow-like, press upon us their attentions. Some of them built this year in a waterspout, and, out of kindness, I destroyed their nests, but the owners were immediately joined by a band of sympathizing co-operators, and the houses were quickly re-made. It was amusing to watch the combined work which was inaugurated by a great palaver. The late rains soon taught them the wisdom of shifting their quarters into a neighbouring tree.

I am struck more and more with the anxiety which birds have about their young during the first week after their leaving the nest. It is so difficult to keep the fledgelings at all together for feeding, and away from the wet ground at night. Nothing kills young birds like wet. Of cold they can stand a good amount. What with cats and rats and damp and separation from the old ones, and other dangers, few broods survive in their entirety.

Perhaps swallows take as much care of their little ones as most. I have known the young lured back to their nests for eight successive nights. One little swallow has a comfortable lodging to-night, as I can testify, for he has come into our house and sits asleep above my head on the curtain pole as I am writing this paper.

Other birds also can use good judgment in sheltering their progeny. Of this I had singular proof last night. A few days ago a pair of wrens led away a beautiful family of about six, and the merry little creatures have been hopping about the garden since. Last night (June 24th) a tremendous thunderstorm took place, and the parent

wrens, well-knowing that their hopefuls would be in danger, sought shelter for them. They found it in a robin's nest, situated in a hole in a wall, out of which young robins had recently flown, and here the happy family were snugly ensconced, when in the evening I happened to put my hand into the nest and send them all out in a sudden flutter. I watched to see if they returned, and was surprised to find. the old birds collect the little ones in less than ten minutes, and land them again in this safe retreat.

One of the most engaging things to witness is a bird teaching a young one to fly. Goldsmith only speaks the truth when he sings :—

"And as a bird each fond endearment tries To tempt its new-fledged offspring to the skies."

The best example of this I have ever seen was in the case of a swallow, and the incident occurred in an arbour in my garden. It was wonderful to mark the patience, the cleverness, and the encouragement, given with liberal vocalization, of the parent swallow. She flew round and round the arbour, fixed herself on its perpendicular sides and, in manifold ways, tried to show the timid youngster what could be done with a pair of wings.

There are many interesting things to notice in respect to the feeding habits of birds. One is often struck with the way in which the male bird will forego a dainty morsel he has secured and carry it to his mate on her nest hard by, or hurry about, when she is away from her eggs for a few minutes, and find food and put it into her bill as if she were a young one.

I was much taken with the sagacity of a sparrow the other day. I threw down a piece of bread to one whose young ones

were around appealing for food. The bird, judging that bread was difficult to swallow, set to work to break up into minute fragments the piece I had cast down, before she offered any to her young ones. I even saw her extract a bit from the throat of one of these, which couldn't swallow it, and begin to crush the morsel afresh.

We

All birds seem to dislike a cuckoo. are sometimes visited by this fellow, but his presence is the signal for every bird about the place to put itself into a fighting attitude, and the cuckoo's stay is made short by the bold attacks which are directed against him.

The way to make friends with birds is no doubt to feed them, and give them water winter and summer for baths as well as drinking, to talk to them, and let them see you fully always, and to abstain from frightening them.

The knowledge soon gets abroad amongst them that certain places are safe and hospitable, and one sort will bring another. I had forgotten to mention our tits. They are our most friendly birds, and are of four kinds, great tit, blue tit, cole and marsh tit. What we find they like best is a coker-nut, which, if one end be sawn off, they will clear out directly. A meat bone they are also extremely partial to.

There is certainly more pleasure to be got out of an intelligent and sympathetic interest in the lives of the lower beings about us than by indulging in the oldworld habit of wantonly killing or torturing them, and I am delighted, Mr. Editor, that your invaluable magazine impresses this view so widely and successfully on the rising generation. Good fortune go with the Animals' Friend.

A Feline “Dr. Barnardo.”

WRITE to record what is to me a unique experience. I have a chicken about two months old, and very small for its age, which has been left to shift for itself. A tom cat which I possess has voluntarily undertaken the care of this chicken. Every night I find the cat and chicken nestled into each other on a sack of lime. On my taking in a lamp to see them more distinctly, the cat purrs and the chick chirrups with delight. The cat licks the chicken and caresses it as if it were a kitten.

One very cold night I saw the cat pull the chicken alongside and curl its tail around it to give it additional warmth. By day each goes its own way, but they meet every evening at roosting time in the same out-house. I may add that the cat takes no notice whatever of any of the other fowls or chickens, but devotes himself entirely to this weakly chick. During the day the cat is a confirmed destroyer of small wild birds. Can any of your readers furnish a similar experience?

Bodmin, Cornwall. A LOVER OF ANIMALS.

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Our Allies and Auxiliaries.

THE MANCHESTER ANTI-VIVISECTION SOCIETY.

HE Founders of the "Manchester Branch of the Victoria Street Society for the Protection of Animals from Vivisection" were the late Miss Mary Jackson and Mr. Benjamin Sugden.

On January 31st, 1883, they organized a public meeting under the auspices of the International Association for the Total Suppression of Vivisection (before its amalgamation with the Victoria Street Society) to protest against the practice. The meeting was a stormy one. Professor Gamgee, of the Owen's College, packed the meeting with his medical friends and a mob of students, and consequently the resolutions were lost. Not so, however, the Cause. The thoughtful and eloquent speech of the late Rev. H. N. Oxenham

an

appeal to the moral consciousness of his hearersand the

against such an immoral and revoltingly cruel practice.

Mr. Herbert Philips was one of these. Ever since the public had been first made aware, in 1873, of what was going on in the country with regard to vivisection, he had felt keenly on the subject, and had taken part in organizing a town's meeting

in Manchester on July 21st, 1876, to support the passing of an Act of Parliament to restrict its practice. It was at

MRS. HERBERT PHILIPS.

facts calmly stated by Mr. Ernest Bell, could not fail to impress some, at any rate, among the audience. The meeting was in any case a revelation of the tone with regard to vivisection taken by physiologists and doctors in Manchester, and had its effect. Some of those present, recognizing the great importance of the question from every point of view, felt that they could no longer hold aloof from taking a personal and active part in the movement

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this meeting that the then Bishop of Manchester, Dr. Fraser, delivered his remarkable

and eloquent address. The resolution to which he spoke was passed in spite of the presence of Professor Gamgee and his followers.

Mr. Philips had from this time maintained his interest in thequestion of vivisection and his sympathy with theagitation for its total pro

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hibition, and, after the meeting of June 31st, 1883, he wrote to Mr. Sugden a letter of encouragement and sympathy.

In the summer of that year, at the invitation of Miss Mary Jackson, Miss Frances Power Cobbe kindly came to Manchester to inaugurate a local branch of the Victoria Street Society. Mr. Philips joined (as a vice-president) the committee which was then formed, and has acted now for some years as its chairman.

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