Thoughts of a Farmer

Thoughts offa* Farmer

BY DR. JOSEPH M. TANNER

One of my biggest and best horses has been almost ruined.During the hot summer days, when flies and insect pests generallyare troublesome, the horses congregate in such shady places asthey can find, and in a peaceful attitude toward one another givemutual protection against a common pest.

During the winter seasons, when the severe blizzards are on,and the thermometer 35 to 40 degrees below zero, the horses' allstand in the field in the best sheltered places they can find, close toone another, and in the friendliest spirit, as a protection against thesuffering common to them all.

When the spring comes and the green grass puts on jts abund-ance of flesh, and animal life is in its highest exuberance, conditionschange. There is no longer that animal fraternity which they ex-ercised during the period of their intense suffering. With reliefand comfort and pleasurable surroundings, there develops withinthem a sort of mutual hostility. They kick, they bite one another.They feel good, and their joy in the beautiful spring days knowsno bounds; and in the midst of it all, they take on a viciousnesstowards one another that costs many an animal a bruised leg or abroken bone. What is in the joys and comforts of their lives thatmakes them vicious? The fatter they are, the better they aretreated, the more kindly nature is in bestowing upon them all hercomforts, the worse they treat one another. They are morejealous, more restless, more vicious, and more selfish. Their com-forts, their ease, and their material well-being generally destroythe old-time friendships, and they treat one another with scantyconsideration.

Such is animal life. Such, in them, the lesson of suffering.Is there anything akin between animals and men? Where isenvy, jealousy, contempt and selfishness more abundantly bred?Where do vain ambitions clash, and men become more repellantone towards another ? Is it not in the so-called lofty circles of life,where friends and enjoyment are abundant, where the joys oflife are freely given, and where there is no common suffering toengender common sympathies that result in mutual friendshipsand kindness ? I have known men to act like my horses. If allmen would do so, I cannot say but there is something in sufferingboth in the animal and human world that begets sympathy andfriendship which nothing else bestows.

ALBERTA. CANADA