The Zelra. 133 



in having clean straw and dried leaves to sleep upon. 

 His voice can hardly be described ; it is thought by 

 some persons to have a distinct resemblance to the sound 

 of a post-horn, and is more frequently exerted when the 

 animal is alone than at other times. In former times, 

 Zebras were often sent as presents to the oriental princes. 

 A governor of Batavia is said to have given one to the 

 emperor of Japan, for which he received as an equivalent 

 a present to the value of sixty thousand crowns ; and 

 Teller informs us, that the Great Mogul gave two thou- 

 sand ducats for one of these animals. It is usual with 

 the African ambassadors to the court of Constantinople 

 to bring Zebras with them as presents for the Grand 

 Seignior. In a wild state they live in herds, and can 

 only be tamed when taken young, or bred in captivity. 



Another kind of Zebra (Equus Burchellii) inhabits the 

 plains of Southern Africa ; it is known as the Zebra of 

 the plains, and is also called Burch ell's Zebra, after 

 the distinguished African traveller. This Zebra is less 

 beautifully marked than the mountain species. 



Instinct having taught these beautiful animals that in 

 union consists their strength, they combine in a compact 

 body when menaced by an attack either from man or 

 beast; and if overtaken by the foe, they unite for 

 mutual defence, with their heads together in a close 

 circular band, presenting their heels to the enemy, and 

 dealing out kicks in equal force and abundance. Beset 

 on all sides, or partially crippled, they rear on their 

 hinder legs, fly at their adversary with jaws distended, 

 and use both teeth and heels with the greatest freedom. 



The Quagga is also a native of Southern Africa. It is 

 more wild than the Zebra, and less beautifully marked ; 

 the stripes, indeed, do not extend over the whole body, 

 but only over the head and neck. The colour is a reddish 

 brown above and white beneath. The Quagga is less 

 than the Zebra, and not so elegantly formed, the hind 

 quarters being higher than the shoulders. The ears are 

 also much shorter. The Quagga bears the reputation of 

 being naturally vicious, and so treacherous that it is 

 said that, like a cat, it will bite the hand that feeds and 

 caresses it. 



