PROTECTION OF ANIMALS IN ITALY.
[TO THE EDITOR OF THE " SPECTAT011.1
Sin,—I shall be very grateful if you will again insert in the columns of the Spectator, as you have so kindly done in former years, an appeal on behalf of the Naples Society for the Pro- tection of Animals. Its work is no longer limited to Southern Italy, as it is the headquarters of the Italian League for the Protection of Animals, founded last year, and has now inspectors not only in and around Naples, but also at Roma, Genoa, Bordighera, Brindisi, and Alessi°. During 1891 these men confiscated 23,432 sticks, 2,638 stakes used for beating, 1,242 spiked bits, and 18 shaft-bands studded with long nails. They made the carters attach extra animals to 23,820 carts, and diminish the loads of 3,163 others. Persons were made to alight from 26,654 overloaded vehicles, and 15,224 two- wheeled carts were properly balanced. Of the 1,377 convic- tions, 602 were for lameness or sores. Horse and donkey parades were held at Naples, Capri, and Brindisi. Drinking troughs were erected at Alessi° and Cava, and several buckets for watering animals were placed in the streets of other towns. Many Italians throughout the country now take an active interest in our cause, but they contribute little to our funds, and our Society's existence is therefore still dependent on the generosity of our British supporters. As yet the societies in Upper Italy are unable to bear the entire cost of the work in their respective districts, so we have to make up the differ- ence. Unfortunately, although work is extending so rapidly, our income has recently fallen off so much that, unless sub- stantial aid be immediately forthcoming, we shall be com- pelled to diminish our activity at the very moment when our opportunity is greatest. Contributions, however small, will be gratefully received and promptly acknowledged by the hon. treasurer, Mr. J. H. Buxton, Hunsdon Bury, Ware; by Miss P. H. Johnston, The Beeches, Carlisle ; or by Mr. Leonard T. Hawksley, 22 Piazza della Borsa, Naples, Italy.—I am, Sir, &cc., E. M. (PRINCESS) MELE BARESE (n4e Mackworth Praed), President of the Naples Society for the Protection of &ninaals. Naples.
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