NAPLES SOCIETY FOR THE PROTECTION OF ANIMALS.
[TO THE EDITOR OP THE "SPECTATOR."] SIR,—I venture to ask you again to insert in the Spectator an appeal on behalf of the Naples Society for the Protection of Animals. During 1904 its inspectors attached extra animals to 18,880 overloaded vehicles, and diminished the loads of 27,686 others ; while they confiscated about 26,000 sticks and stakes used for beating, besides 1,105 spiked bits and many other instruments of torture. They prosecuted 3,094 cases, of which 1,070 were for beating, 835 for overloading, and 946 for sores. Two persons were convicted for blinding decoy birds to make them sing at night. The Society has suppressed the disgusting exhibition at the Dog Grotto near Naples, where for centuries a dog has been plunged into carbonic acid gas to show that the latter will not support life, and then released after terrible struggles, only to be subjected again to the same process twenty or thirty times a day for the amuse- ment of sightseers. The Society prosecuted the owner of the Grotto several times without success; but finally, after carrying on an agitation in the Italian newspapers, it induced the Government to forbid the spectacle. It has also caused the local authorities throughout Southern Italy to prohibit bull-baiting. The Society has accomplished much in the short apace of fourteen years, thanks largely to the munificence of its treasurer, Mr. J. H. Buxton ; but much still remains to be done, and I appeal to the generous hearts of my com- patriots, begging them to help us carry on our work of mercy. Contributions, both great and small, will be thankfully received and promptly acknowledged by Miss P. H. John- ston, The Beeches, Carlisle ; and Mr. Leonard T. Hawksley, 2 Via Vittoria, Naples, Italy.—I am, Sir, &c., E. L. M. (Princess) Minx BARESE (née MACKWOBTH PUSH), President.
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