THE ASS. 399 



" that it was full of worm-wood ; if any other kinds of 

 shrubs or reeds grew there, they had all an aromatic smell ; 

 but no trees appeared. Of wild creatures, the most numer- 

 ous are wild asses, which our horses sometimes chased, but 

 the wild asses exceeded them much in speed." 



VARIETIES. The different breeds of asses, are supposed 

 to be quite as numerous as those of the horse. Four distinct 

 races are mentioned in the ancient scriptures. In modern 

 times we find a similar diversity. There are two kinds in 

 Persia, the largest a slow, lioavy brute, used only for burdens ; 

 the other smaller and more spirited, and used for the saddle. 

 In Egypt, a considerable though less marked difference ex- 

 ists, those near the Delta being inferior to those which are 

 bred in Upper Egypt and Nubia. In Spain, a difference in 

 size and spirit prevails, greater even, than in Persia. The 

 Zebra is nearly allied in size, shape and character, to the 

 wild ass, but his untameable ferocity has hitherto effectually 

 bid defiance, alike to the scourges and caresses, the frowns 

 and the favors of man. Arabia produces some of the most 

 spirited and hardy asses, but their size, like that of their hor- 

 ses, is too small for purposes of the greatest utility. The 

 Maltese Jack is by American breeders, deemed the choicest 

 animal from which to propagate. He is evidently of Ara- 

 bian descent, and possesses all the good qualities of his an- 

 cestry, with considerable additional size. We have several 

 varieties, all of which are imported, as there are no natives 

 of the Western Continent. The early importations were 

 principally made from the A/ores and Cape do Verd Islands, 

 and were mostly of an inferior character. A superior Maltese 

 Jack was presented to Gen. Washington, in 1787, by La 

 Fayette, and is believed to be the first ever sent to this coun- 

 try. Mr. Custis describes him, as of moderate size, clean 

 limbed, possessing great activity, the fire and ferocity of a 

 tiger, of a dark brown and nearly black, white belly and 

 muzzle, and manageable only by one groom, nor then safely. 

 He lived to a great age. His mules were all active, spirited, 

 and serviceable, and when from stout mares, attained consid- 

 erable size. A Spanish Jack and Jennet were also presented 

 to Washington about the same time, by the King of Spain. 

 The first is characterized by the same authority, as a huge, 

 ill-shape n animal, near 10 hands high, very large head, 

 clumsy limbs, and to all appearance, little calculated for active 

 service ; he was of a grey color, and not much valued for his 

 mules, which were unwieldy and dull. From the Maltese 



