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EUROPEAN AGRICULTURE. 



3. ASSES. Of all beasts of burden or draught in Europe, 

 asses are, perhaps, the most common. Mules are bred and used 

 largely in Spain, as I am informed ; and I found them in the 

 mountainous parts of Switzerland for the use of travellers in 

 places and passes where carriages cannot be used, and where 

 sureness of foot is particularly desired. But asses are every 

 where common, and, for the purposes to which they are applied, 

 are certainly most serviceable animals. They are in general of 

 a small size, and cost from one to two pounds, or from five to 

 ten dollars; their keep is of the hardest description, and they 

 live to a great age. One was used constantly at Carisbrooke 

 Castle, in the Isle of Wight, for drawing water from a very deep 

 well seventy years, and he was replaced by another, who, when 

 [ was there, had been employed for many years. This most 

 useful race of animals presents an example of the humiliating 

 truth, that real substantial merit does not always find its place in 

 this world ; that grateful and kind treatment does not always 

 follow the services rendered ; that abuse of power is too common 

 a fault ; and that exterior appearance and address are a surer 

 passport to favor than solid and useful qualities. I cannot say. 

 however, that this is without exception, for I found in some 

 cases in Manchester, in England, among the Irish, the donkey 

 living in the same room with the rest of the family, and sharing 

 in their comforts, such as they were. Whether this was to be 

 considered as an advance upon the usual companionship of an 

 Irish cabin, I shall not determine. It shows at least an amiable 

 trait of character to acknowledge our obligations, and is quite in 

 the equality and fraternity style of the times. 



4. HORSES. The Flemish horses have long been celebrated, 

 and most deservedly so, as I have seen for their purpose no 

 horses superior. In Prance and the Low Countries, horses ex 

 clusively are used for agricultural labor. In Flanders, two horses 

 are allowed to fifty acres of land. In many cases the farms are 

 accessible by canals, and manures are brought and produce car 

 ried away in boats, which, of course, on still waters are navigated 

 at a small expense. The Flemish horses are of a medium size, 

 compact, active, strong, and extremely well equipped ; these 

 farmers being very proud of their teams, as indeed they well 

 may be. Add to this, they are groomed with extraordinary care. 



