THE GREW ZEBRA 157 



coaches between Pretoria and Pietersburg, and 

 contrary to the received opinion regarding these 

 animals proved themselves to be most willing 

 and docile steeds, neither kicking nor biting when 

 once broken in. The success of this effort caused 

 more zebras to be purchased : but as the experi- 

 ments continued, it became evident that though 

 willing enough, they were not sufficiently strong for 

 continuous work, and the matter was abandoned. 1 

 Burchell's zebra stands about twelve hands high 

 at the withers, having the make and proportions 

 of a stout pony : one cannot, however, expect 

 wild-caught animals, even of this size, to be equal 

 to such heavy and continued work as is implied in 

 the daily to and fro journey ings of a mail-coach. 

 There remains, however, a splendid and little- 

 known zebra, whose powerful frame might well 'be 

 employed in the service of man. This species 

 is a native of Shoa, Somaliland, and British East 

 Africa north of the Tana River : it is known as 

 Grevy's zebra. 



Grevy's zebra (J&fuus grevyi) is a magnificent 

 creature, with the handsome form and ample 

 proportions of a horse. The head, although 

 terminating in an elongated face and surmounted 

 by large wide ears, is extremely beautiful in its 

 outlines, which suggest those of an antelope 



i The domestication of Burchell's zebra has now been recommenced 

 in East Africa. 



