The value of the domestic stock in Great Britain and Channel Islands, in 1875, is stated to have been:—­

“Horses, 1,349,691 at L16, L21,587,056.  Cattle, 6,050,797 at L10, L60,507,970.  Sheep, 29,243,790 at L1 10s., L43,865,685.  Swine, 2,245,932 at L1 5s., L2,807,415.  Total, L128,768,126.”

“When we find,” says the compiler of the statistics from which we have quoted, “that the figures give an estimated money value exceeding L331,000,000 sterling, and that to this has to be added all the dairy produce; the poultry and their products for Great Britain; the annual clip of British wool, which may be estimated at 160,000,000 lbs., worth at least L8,000,000; the hides and skins, tallow, horns, bones, and other offal, horse and cow hair, woollen rags collected, the game and rabbits, the sea and river fisheries; besides the products of our woollen, leather, glove, silk, soap, and comb manufactures retained for home consumption, furs, brushes, and many other articles, we ought to add a great many millions more to the aggregate value or total.”—­SIMMONDS:  Animal Products, p. xix.

* * * * *

SOCIETIES FOR THE PREVENTION OF CRUELTY TO ANIMALS.

The first society formed under this name, or for this object, was the “Royal,” of London, in 1825.

The first in America was that of New York, in 1866; that of Pennsylvania, in 1867; and that of Massachusetts, in 1868.

They all sprang from the same Christian root with the other great voluntary organizations for religious and moral purposes which distinguished the century just passed.  All helped to widen the consciousness of the world, and to prepare the way for reformations not then thought of.

In this goodly company of voluntary societies, those for the Protection of Animals are entitled to an honorable place.  It is not too much to say that any list would be incomplete without them.

But they have gone beyond Europe and America, and are spreading over the world.  Among their devoted members are found the professors of many religions.

These “Voices,” it is hoped, may impel their readers, wherever they may be, to help on, through such Societies, a long delayed work of justice to the humbler creatures of God.  In many countries the young may find juvenile societies to promote the cause in schools and neighborhoods.

But whether inside or outside of organizations, the words of Mr. Longfellow suggest a universal duty,—­

    “Act, act in the living present,
    Hearts within and God o’erhead.”

INDEX OF SUBJECTS AND TITLES.

* * * * *

Achilles, Horses of
Action
Ahura-Mazda
Aix, Good News to
Alexander
Allah
Among the Noblest
Ancient Mariner
Animals and Human Speech
Animals, Feeling for
Animals, Happiness