The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1866-10-02
CRUELTY TO ANIMALS.
Interesting Correspondence Between 0fr-
Henry BerGh and Professor AgRssiz Ahoas
the Suherings Of the Turtle.

Interesting Correspondence Between Or.
Henry Bersh and Professor Agassiz Ahoas
the suferings Of the Turtle.
Ngw YORK, August Z, 1854
Professor LOUIS AoAssn:-
MY DEAR SRA society has recently been formed In
TINS State for the prevention OF cruelty anmals M
corporators and officers among the first genemss
Of our city, and il has entered upon under
most Gathering auspices encouraged thehmost
nous approval Of the press and the public MrsaAy
during its brief existence has effected number Of
forms and in the wide and varied aed inviting ts hu
name labors Il hopes to accomplish many more
send you herewith article from late issue o. he
Trlune giving quite full account Of the objects OF this
society, OF what II has done and proposes to do Nv
special object however in writing is TO ask you, b.
half OF the society to lecture before Ii Al some imn
during the coming fall on the Turtle, with part ocular
reference TO its power OF sensation.
Believing that the turtle, low Is in the scale Of
animated creation is, nevertheless not beneath the a.
tention OF society which processes for its object ths
had arrested the captain OF vessel laden with
turtles from the Florida for ineng cruelty upon
them The turtles were lying on their backs kept With.
ont food water and having holes bored through then
fms or legs with cords through ~ Them On
the trial of the Dr. Guernsey testified that ths
turtle experienced suffering from the Of food
that cruel 10 place its belly than on is
back for It would live longer in the latter position and
that boring hole through The leg OF turtle inflicted "a
pain than the bite Of mosquito human being
The justice regarding this rs the testimony Of exre
dismissed the case subsequently, however, the Grand
Jury found bill against the captain and the subject VIII
again come mp on the trial OF the indictment.
This created considerable discussion in city
to whether the turtle Is animal endowed
with sensation that be the subject Of cruelty ga
consider that this society going beyond the Scoops
down y M scaia ~ heinz nv one ~ onr eos
spectacle weekles IL was seriously stated that htv
can the turtle experience pain that will quietly submas
10 the most extensive mutilati0as with feelings
akn to pleasure than suffering
In Of this difference OF opinion and OF the fAse
that account thereof ii still the constant practice
Of dealers in turtles to keep them without food wst
lying their backs Sheir flesh pierced with cords -
secure Them this society DESTROYS OF having a
exposition Of your views on the subject above mentioos
assured as is that no other person eau speak with
equal authority thereon.
From your distinguished reputation a scientific -
uralist from the time and care are known TO have
devoted to the study II the tesudinata and from ~
frequent examinations have made Of their stru0
ture, your views will be considered q conclusive
livery much hope therefore that II will accord WIN
this subject; not that you will be so kind - -
communicate your views in writing. With congratus-
tons your safe return from your highly successive
and interesting trip to the Amazons. have the ho0ee
:" - - 80 '''''' HENRY BEsRoH Prssidss.
REPLY AGAssx.
NAaAsT, sept 81, 16oA
DEAR sm--It would give me the greatest pleasure -
cooperate with society. for sympsshzs heartily
sorbed with other duties, and with tho best will cannes
do more than what have already engaged 70 do.
Excuse mo- therefore, II answer but briefly per-
special questions To NEE, you In New York and 81.
pound publicly my views upon such subjects 10 cus =
need not tell you tha, men have always sreuas
enough 10 justify thor wrong doiugs; was WIN
the slave trade II Is to-day with the tuse5o
market; and though black men are more likely 10 ~
protected hereafter their former susvings during lon1
sea VOYAGES arc on record and humanity shuddsn =
the tale. Whether mon may ever be refined enough -
feel their guilt whom they torment animals rcmanso -
seem and your society will doubt do It's share in eds
eating them in that direction But TO say that turtles
do not suffer when dragged from their natural hanae4
tied thst they may not be able 70 move turned ups10
down, &C. &c, Is simply absurd II is true thas thsy
live long time without food drink, but thsy
do feel pain and indeed sensitive to njure
That VI turning them upside down among others Ia ssG-
Gent for instance TO prevent their eggs from hntch1G
Their suffering may be Inferred By the violent and oonv-
movements which the psrforation OF their 0uD
gives rse and yet 10 this proceeding dealers 10 turssss
generally In order 20 tie them closely and pa6k
. large number In smaller space. or course, whso
tied In this manner they may suffer les BY being
turned upon their backs, because the hns thus
eved from pressure OF their whole weight ~
ton ~ that they die II II Is much protractcd; and 20
turtles among the animals which resist longest pss
vstons of oil kinds. Is not the fact that they No.
ciefmerely from the attitude In which they foro1ov
kept most complete evidence Of their susrngf ~
What else would cause death " not pain and the unnasn
lions
Having gone no far let me call your attention 10 ~
dangers arising ireament Of beef cattle befosu
Strengthening them. while IN Brazil learned that IL
in the public market deeriorsted because the -
cows killed in the city were brought in from copsldss.
able distance. snd oten kept many days wthoua
food The matter grew 20 bad that company ~
formed 20 bring 10y steam beef killed upon the famsr
and everybody felt the difference ia tho condition Of he
meat and its nufritive qualities. Very respectfully.
yours, L. AGAS3fz.
HgNRY BxraH