LOVE OF ANIMALS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXV, Issue 20116, 29 November 1928, Page 18

LOVE OF ANIMALS.

A BENEFICENT INFLUENCE. NATURE AND HER WORKS.

EY H.H.T

T have often (bought Miat one could oafely classify children into two croups—those who lovo animals f.nil tlin.se who do not—and I am convinced that those children who instinctively love animals and birds will, under ordinary circumstances, develop into admirable citizens. A still moro infallible test of character is when the affection and confidence is mutual.

In after life the love that was lavished by tho child on tho horse, tlie dog, the cat or (he bird will probably be transferred to other and possibly more worthy objects, but there will remain the unselfish consideration for everything that is weak and dependent, and every action will unconsciously bo controlled by consideration of justice and not bv those

of might The light for existence or advancement in mature life may dull the tlame of unselfish lovo that bums so brightly in tho child, but. when the real lest comes it. will dominate the baser characteristics that tho modern lifo of competition unto tunately develops m us all. Many will, no doubt, contend that Jove of animals is inborn in tho child. This may bo so to a certain extent,

but I am certain that it can bo, ami is, largely cultivated. For tins reason, among others, 1 have always feit that association with domestic animals, and, if possible, the ownership of one or moio pets, does much in the development of children along right lines. The Achievements of Man. A iovo of animals naturally lueeds a desire to cultivate the best. We wish to raise our dumb friends on the ladder ct life, to develop their intelligence, tho:r beauty of form* their useluino>s and their health, that they may be more worthy friends and servants. One cannot take the same pleasure in the ill-formed cur that slinks at, heel as m the vital and beautiful dog that reads one's thoughts and wishes and delights :n the service it may render; nor in the slouch.tig prad that responds only to the goad of the spur as in the dancing thoroughbred that seeks only the opportunity t:o demonstrate his speed and endurance It is the men who really love animals who become our outstanding stock breeders. It is not a lot of freak animals that we go to our show to see. Few normal people wish to gloat over the two-headed calf ami similar monstrosities, but I believe most of us are thrilled when we see the glorious animals that man has evolved from tho rough material with which Nature presented him. Perhaps the animals are of most interest to' the farmer, because he can see in them both beauty and profit, and because something of the history of their controlled evolution is known to him from tho nature of his bnsiness; but I believe it. could be made still more instructive for liirn, and equally interesting for the average layman, if our agricultural societies follo-verl the example of some of the leading stock shows in England. There cm h breed of sheep horse, cattle or picjs which is indicated in thci catalogue is headed with a plate illustrating a typical animal of tho breed, while following that is an accurate condensed history of the breed's foundation, characteristics, and esppcial qualities. This, while educating tho farmer in many points of which he may be unacquainted, makes every animal exhibited of special interest, even to those who boast little knowledge of stock.

Making More Farmers. It, is the love of aniinnls more than the hope of profit that induces many men to become farmers. They delight iri being smong their charges, in studying their peculiarities and possibilities; and truly no life holds more real happiness for the man who is interested in his work. We need more farmers, provided they are, of the right type, and tfe want every citizen, bo he farmer or townsman, to be a good citizen, and this ideal, I believe, will be most surely attained through cultivating in the children of the prpsent day a genuine fondness of and consideration for animals.

Tn this field, while (lie parents undoubtedly ran exercise the greatest influence, the agricultural and pastoral societies, bv widening the rancje of classes in which chtlclren may exhibit, their pets, and couvaging everything which may interest children in animals, can do much more than they nfc present realise.