THE ASS 441 



By far the finest breed of Asses, at this time 

 known in the world, are those of Spain. They are 

 large, strong, elegant, and stately animals, often, 

 fifteen hands, or more, in height. The best of this 

 breed sell, in Spain, at very high prices, sometimes 

 for as much as a hundred guineas each, and up- 

 wards. In other countries of Europe, the Ass is 

 nearly as much neglected as it is in Great Britain. 

 In Sardinia there is a race of Asses that are very 

 little larger than Dogs: they seldom exceed two 

 feet in height, and are in all respects proportion- 

 ally small. 



That the Ass is not naturally so stupid an animal 

 as many people are inclined to think it, we have 

 sufficient evidence in its being susceptible of very 

 considerable educational attainments. We are in- 

 formed by Leo Africanus, that Asses may be taught 

 a kind of dance, in which they will keep perfect 

 time to music ; and to perform a great variety of 

 other entertaining feats. Gesner asserts, that he 

 was himself witness to some very singular actions 

 of one of these trained Asses. He says, that whilst 

 the Ass continued to dance, he three times changed 

 his time, and adopted that of a new air played to 

 him. He could walk erect with great appearance 

 of ease. On a sudden, as if his pleasantry was 

 changed to grief, he threw himself on the ground 

 and seemed to be dead. Though he was kicked 

 and beaten, he could not be induced to stir, till a 

 signal was made to him by his master. On being 



ordered 



