In studying the natural history of animals, we might at first suppose, that some were less fitted for enjoyment than others, and we might say that the mole, for instance, has had a hard lot assigned him, because he is nearly deprived of sight, and is condemned to labour all his days in searching for his food under the earth. But a more perfect knowledge of the form and structure of this and other animals will convince us, that they are _all_ so beautifully fitted for the situations for which they were designed, that each may be said to pass its life in the enjoyment of almost perfect happiness and abundance. For the Great Spirit who called them into existence loves _all_ his creatures, even the meanest and smallest. Do you believe this? You cannot doubt it, if you have made even a small progress in the study of Natural history. The Creator's love for every breathing thing, and provident care for its happiness, must be evident to all those who pay attention to the works of his hands. What a great crime, then, shall we be guilty of, if we inflict unnecessary suffering on any of those creatures he has placed in our power! Creatures beloved and cared for by God, but so frequently despised and ill-used by us! Let us think of this, when we are treating any animal unkindly, and beware lest we "be found even to _fight against God_," by thwarting his benevolent designs for the happiness of every creature he has sent forth upon the earth. THE END. J. Rickerby, Printer, Sherbourn Lane. New and Interesting Works for Young People, PUBLISHED BY HARVEY AND DARTON, GRACECHURCH-STREET. Fourth Edition, revised and enlarged, HISTORICAL PRINTS. REPRESENTING SOME OF THE MOST MEMORABLE EVENTS IN ENGLISH HISTORY, IN WHICH THE COSTUMES OF THE TIMES ARE CAREFULLY PRESERVED. WITH DESCRIPTIONS BY EMILY TAYLOR, Author of "Tales of the Saxons," &c. TO WHICH IS ADDED, A BRIEF CHRONOLOGY OF THE KINGS OF ENGLAND. Foolscap 8vo., cloth, gilt edges. Price 6s. A VOYAGE TO INDIA; OR, THREE MONTHS ON THE OCEAN. SHOWING HOW PHILIP GREY IMPROVED AND BEGUILED HIS TIME AT SEA. By the Author of "Charlie's Discoveries." With Cuts. 16mo. Price 4s. THE SQUIRRELS AND OTHER ANIMALS; OR, ILLUSTRATIONS OF THE HABITS AND INSTINCTS OF MANY OF THE SMALLER BRITISH QUADRUPEDS. BY GEORGE WARING. With Cuts. Square 16mo. Price 3s. 6d. NAOMI: OR, THE LAST DAYS OF JERUSALEM. BY MRS. J. B. WEBB, AUTHOR OF "THE CHILD'S COMMENTARY ON ST. LUKE," "TRAVELS OF DURAND," &c. "Behold, your house is left unto you desolate." Foolscap 8vo. cloth lettered. Price 7s. 6d. HYMNS AND SKETCHES IN VERSE. BY THE AUTHOR OF "TALES OF THE GREAT AND BRAVE," "TALES OF MANY LANDS," &c. With fine Wood-cut Illustrations. 16mo. cloth lettered. Price 4s. 6d. Also, by the same Author, MY BOY'S FIRST BOOK. Price 3s. 6d. THE ORATORY; OR, THE TESTIMONY OF SCRIPTURE ON THE SUBJECT OF PRAYER. BY LUCY BARTON. Royal 32mo. cloth gilt. Price 2s. 6d.