THE ASSES AND ZEBRAS 83 



strength, is a beast of splendid port and magnificent 

 action courageous, high-bred, and enduring. 



Two kinds of wild asses are now well recognised 

 in the Soudan and North-East Africa, the Abyssinian 

 species (Equus asinus teniopus} and the Somali wild 

 ass (Equus asinus somalicus*}. Of these the Abyssinian 

 ass is found in the desert regions of Abyssinia, 

 Somaliland, Gallaland, the Soudan, Erythrea, and 

 the Red Sea littoral generally. It is not apparently, 

 identical with the Asiatic species, and has, among 

 other varying characteristics, somewhat shorter ears, 

 a shorter mane, and a thinner tail. Standing from 

 thirteen to fourteen hands at the withers, this wild 

 ass is a shapely, well-proportioned beast, creamy grey 

 in colour, with white under parts and muzzle and a 

 white patch under the throat. The shoulders are 

 crossed with a dark-brown marking, and down the 

 back runs a dark list. The legs are usually more or 

 less barred with zebra-like markings, and are clean, 

 hard, and shapely, the hoofs being small, beautifully 

 shaped, and hard as flint. 



The Somali wild ass, known to the Somalis as 

 Duber Dibhuded) is found chiefly in the country from 

 which it takes its name. It is an even finer-looking 

 beast than the Abyssinian species. A good specimen 

 stands as much as 14 hands and measures over 7 feet 

 in length. The body colour is a beautiful French 

 grey, the under parts clear white, as are the nose and 

 a ring round the eyes. The mane is dark brown. 

 There is no dorsal stripe, nor are the shoulders crossed, 

 as in the case of most other asses. The legs are 



VOL. II G 



