Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1897-05-28
" Heart Culture"

from the press "f The Whitaker d
Ray Co.. pf Fan Francisco. The oh
l"ct ii TIN huol, is intimatcd III the
title. t" prepare the human heart for
the reception al impulses of kindness
towards all living things, and cspc-
clally the dumb animal, who cannot
speak for themselves. The Use nf the
PERSONAL pron"lIn expresses Just the
intent Of the writer, ior hc has di>cuv-
cred IN the brute creation many quail
titles "i sterling worth in their indiyid-
uallty. OF which the su-called reason
ing animals might well feel proud,
and the absence OF which i Il blur
and blot upon rational life.
The aim of the book, rs expressed
in it, preface, is to teach the exercise
OF kindness towards animals by quick
cning sympathy for them, arousing
sense of justice toward them and in
stilling the fundamental principles of
right care of them" This is done in
II plain, common-scnsc manner, which
charms while it instructs, the intent
being 70 make the work Il textbook
for public and private schools, as we'll
as OF interest to the general reader.
To cover this comprehensive scope re-
qulres the Use of simple language,
which when blended with truth, con-
stitutes the strength of logic and the
charm of rhetoric.
The plan of the work is admirable.
Part First teaches that kindness and
goodness is manifest in doing, and an
endeavor is made to quicken sympa-
thetic observation of animal life, and
to develop an affectionate regard for
each and all in their rightful place.
Part Second teaches the right use of
strength and wisdom and all good
gifts; inculcates the law of habit,
stimulates sense o. humanity, honor
and justice, and formulates the dcvel-
opment of sympathetic interest in all
forms of life. Part Third is designed
to bring man and the brute creation,
of which he has been given dominion,
into q closer relationship, founded
upon economic value, comfort and the
reflex of moral influence upon human
ity from 4 better knowledge of the
creatures dependent upon us. Part
Fourth treats of the cruelty which the
mandate of Fashion has imposed by
indiscriminate slaughter of the inno-
cents, and the short-sighted policy
which impels farmers and horticult-
uralists to kill birds which are a pro-
life destroyer of pests. These depart
ments are divided into chapters en-
bracing topic or line of thought, and
each is followed by questions for re.
view in class study.
The gentle nature of the author of
Heart Culture" is apparent from the
care she has manifested in stating the
motive which in many instances is
given for qualification Of the instinct
to kill. The destruction of birds, in
most instances she says, is to protect
the farm or orchard from insect and
grub pests, or to obtain their plumage
Or bodies for personal decoration.
Many animals are subjected to torture
or death, to study their structure and
habits in the interest of scientific re-
search; but, she affirms, Natures cur
tains may be drawn much more widely
apart by investigation of these crea-
lures in their native cOverts, by use of
the microscope and field-glass. Ami
mated life certainly affords much
better opportunity for study than the
mutilated remains of Natures handi-
work.
The influence of Heart Culture"
will be marked wherever it is read,
but its best field for reform will doubt
less be in the school.room, in forming
the habits of generation that, except
from heredity, possess fertile ground for
culture of the tender plant of Mercy.