us. Caterpillars and snails, it is true, we are obliged frequently to destroy, on account of their devouring fruit and vegetables; but unless they abound so as to be likely to do a real injury, I never suffer them to be meddled with. I often think on my good father's maxims, which were 'Never take away the life of any creature, unless it is necessary for the benefit of mankind. While there is food and room enough in the world for them and us, let them live and enjoy the blessings they were formed for,' he would say."
"When I was a little girl," said Mrs. Benson, "I had a great propensity to catch flies and other insects; but my father had an excellent microscope, in which he showed me a number of different objects; by this means I learnt that even the minutest creatures might be as susceptible of pain as myself. And so far from having a pleasure in killing even the disagreeable insects which are troublesome in houses, I assure you I cannot do it or see it done without pain; and yet they certainly may be considered as enemies, and as such we have a right to destroy them."
"To be sure, madam," said Mrs. Wilson, "for without cleanliness we could not enjoy health. It goes against me to demolish a fine spider's web, and
