The claims of the lower animals to humane treatment, or at least to exemption from abuse, are as good as any that man can urge upon man. Although less intelligent, and not immortal, they are susceptible of pain; but because they cannot remonstrate, nor associate with their fellows in defense of their rights, our best theologians and philosophers have not condescended to plead their cause, nor even to make mention of them; although, as just asserted, they have as much right to protection from ill-usage as the best of their masters have.—W. Youatt, 1839.
There is a moral as well as a physical character to all animal life, however humble it may be—enveloped indeed in obscurity, and with a mysterious solemnity which must ever belong to the secrets of the Eternal. Let us then approach with caution the unknown character of the brute, as being an emanation from Himself; and treat with tenderness and respect the helpless creatures derived from such a source.—Ralph Fletcher, 1848.
THE CALIFORNIA VULTURE.
Among the crags, in caverns deep,
The Vulture rears his brood;
Far reaching is his vision's sweep
O'er valley, plain, and wood;
And wheresoe'er the quarry lies,