XV 



AN UNCAGED ZOO 



189 



stripes on its legs, like those on the legs of the zebra. 

 These are well shown on the ass represented below. It 

 cannot be seriously contended on this account that asses 

 have been derived from zebra ancestors. No one has 

 seen an ass with a face, ears, and tail like a zebra. 

 These leg-markings have interested me much, because 

 they are often very numerous in asses and mules bred 



An Ass, showing numerous cross stripes on the legs. 

 (Phofoi/raph by J. B. Chri*tophf.r*on.) 



in Somaliland. Mr. Christopherson informs me that 

 in the Berber Province where there, are wild asses, it is 

 the practice to tether the she-asses away from the 

 villages in order that they may become impregnated 

 by wild asses. The cross stripes on the legs is a feature 

 of the Somali wild ass. and the reputed cause of the 

 shoulder stripe is known to all Christians. 



