Mr Barlow.—Do you imagine that the bird is conscious of all that is suffered by the insect?
Tommy.—No, sir.
Mr Barlow.—In him, then, it is not the same cruelty which it would be in you, who are endowed with reason and reflection. Nature has given him a propensity for animal food, which he obeys in the same manner as the sheep and ox when they feed upon grass, or as the ass when he browses upon the furze or thistles.
Tommy.—Why, then, perhaps the cat did not know the cruelty she was guilty of in tearing that poor bird to pieces?
Mr Barlow.—No more than the bird we have just seen is conscious of his cruelty to the insect. The natural food of cats consists in rats, mice, birds, and such small animals as they can seize by violence or
catch by craft. It was impossible she should know the value you set upon your bird, and therefore she had no more intention of offending you than had she caught a mouse.
Tommy.—But if that is the case, should I have another tame bird, she would kill it as she has done this poor
fellow.
Mr Barlow.—That, perhaps, may be prevented. I have heard people that deal in birds affirm there is a way of preventing cats from meddling with them.
Tommy.—Oh dear, sir, I should like to try it. Will you not show me how to prevent the cat from killing any more birds?