ΤΟ

THE AMERICAN HUMANE EDUCATION SOCIETY

OF BOSTON, MASS.

AND TO

ALL THE BOYS AND GIRLS EVERYWHERE

WHO LOVE ANIMALS

THIS BOOK IS RESPECTFULLY DEDICATED
BY THE AUTHOR

KINDNESS TO ANIMALS

The object of the American Humane Education Society, founded by George T. Angell, of Boston, Mass., is to instil in the hearts of all kindness to animals. Its

promoters say, "We believe that if every man, woman, and child will have a warm spot in his heart for dumb animals, there will be no difficulty in attaining love for their fellow men.' One of their favorite mottoes is,

"Be kind to animals."

The Wise Man spoke truly when he said, “A righteous man regardeth the life of his beast."

The Washington Evening Star says: "Cruelty is a great evil. Only a person coarse and gross-grained by nature can be cruel, and cruelty makes those persons who possess it coarser still.

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If some of the forlorn and friendless animals could tell us their tales and their sufferings in language we could understand, those stories would move stones to pity and call tears from eyes that never wept before. The quality of mercy is the finest of the heart. Practise it toward the dogs and cats, the shabby, jaded old horse, and all the creatures of the air, the wood, the field!"

And The Washington Post adds: “It is only too easy to forget the services performed by animals. When it is borne in mind that not a building can be erected nor food be provided without the cooperation of animals, it is realized that a square deal is due to the faithful ones that never become outlaws, never strike, and never complain of the high cost of living or dying.

"This is a movement which deserves unanimous support. No man, woman, or child, however circumstanced, can fail to be benefited by keeping alive a keen sympathy with animals and birds, and by giving them aid when possible."

PREFACE

To the child nothing is so interesting as a story. Especially is this so if he is given to understand that the story is true. All the stories in this book, so far as known, are true.

Of all things made, animals come closest to man. While inferior in intelligence, they possess feelings and affection, instinct and intuition, and were intended to be the companions and associates of man. Fitted for usefulness and service in so many ways, they also form attachments and manifest affection often but little inferior in strength and devotion, it would seem, to our own.

The stories here told represent the most important classes or families of animals, and have been carefully classified, arranged, and divided into parts, the common or domestic animals being treated first, the wild animals next, and birds and insects last.

The stories in each part are preceded by a short introduction in which the general habits and

characteristics of the animal under consideration are briefly described.

Some of the stories teach lessons of kindness, faithfulness, patience, and endurance; some, lessons of temperance, industry, and wise provision for the future; others tell of the remarkable homing instinct in animals and birds; still others, of mother love, filial affection, and undying attachment.

Many of these stories have never appeared in book form before, having been gathered from personal experience, observation, and current literature. Some are old and are retold because of their interest and intrinsic value, and because, like good music, they will bear repeating, and are worthy of being preserved.

Some of the stories are humorous, and will amuse both old and young. Others are historic, and are connected with wonderful adventures, such as Nansen's use of the carrier-pigeon in his arctic explorations, and Peary's final dash to the north pole with his dogs.

The entire series will be read with intense interest and with lasting profit by every boy and