ZEBRAS AND ASSES 281 



mentioned, and has a broad dorsal stripe instead of a narrow one. 

 The third variety of Asiatic Wild Ass is found in Persia and 

 Syria. It much resembles the two preceding kinds, and although 

 for some time it was considered that there were at least two distinct 

 species of these animals, it now seems agreed that the three beasts 

 referred to are connected with the same species. 



In the arid regions of Asia these Wild Asses find a congenial 

 home ; they are possessed of wonderful powers for traversing rough 

 ground, and travel about at a great speed. They are mostly 

 gregarious, keeping together in moderately sized companies, 

 although, on occasions, these have been known to number as many 

 as one thousand animals. 



In some parts these Wild Asses are of a shy and retiring dis- 

 position, but the Kiang is a notable exception, as this is a most 

 inquisitive animal, and has been known to walk into camp without 

 demur, evidently attracted by a curious desire to ascertain what 

 was going on. 



One would imagine that, in view of the arid habitats in which 

 these Wild Asses are found, difficulty would be experienced in 

 finding a suitable and abundant food supply, and there is no doubt 

 that during the Summer, when the pools of water and herbage become 

 parched, the beasts find it a hard task to make ends meet. It is then 

 that the Asses must of necessity search for fresh feeding-grounds, 

 and they migrate to the hills for the purpose of securing both drink 

 and food. Various kinds of grasses are partaken of, as well as 

 woody plants which only grow in many of the arid regions inhabited. 

 The Ghorkhar especially is fleet-footed, and attains a wonderful 

 speed. It requires a good Horse to successfully overtake it, but, 

 when hunting these Wild Asses, attention is chiefly devoted to the 

 foals which, being reared, realize good prices when "sold to the 

 native princes (of India), by whom high prices are given for these 

 animals." 



The Asiatic species attains a length of six or seven feet, and 

 stands about four feet high at the shoulders. 



The skin is of considerable value, and is made into shagreen, 

 this being a kind of leather or parchment, which is prepared, 

 without having to undergo the process of tanning, from the skins of 

 Horses and Camels, as well as these and other Asses. The method 

 adopted seems to be that "the strips, having been softened by 

 steeping in water, and cleared of the hair, are spread on the floor 



