T H E Z E B R A. ii 



and fine ; the -white fhining and unmixed j and the blaclc, or brown, 

 thick, and luftrous. 



Such is the beauty of this creature, by nature fecmingly fitted for 

 the pleafure and fervicc of man. Hitherto, however, it has difdained 

 fervitude, and neither force nor kindnefs has fubdued its native inde- 

 pendence and ferocity. Yet probably this animal, by time and afli- 

 duity, might be brought under fubjedion. As it rcfembles the horfe 

 in form, without doubt it has a fimilitude of nature, and only requires 

 the efforts of an induftrious and Ikilful nation, to be added to the num- 

 ber of our domeftics. Nor is its extraordinary beauty the only morive 

 for wifliing this animal among our dependents : its fwiftnefs is faid to 

 furpafs that of all others j fo that the fpeed of a zebra is become a 

 proverb among the Spaniards and Portuguefe. It (lands better upon 

 its legs alfo than a horfe; and is confequently ftronger in proportion. 



The zebra is chiefly a native of the Cape of Good Hope. It is 

 alfo found in the kingdom of Angola j and, as we are aiTured by 

 Lopez, in feveral provinces alfo of Barbary. 



This animal, which is peculiar to Africa, is eafily fed. That which 

 came over into England fome years ago, would eat almoft any thing, 

 bread, meat, tobacco, or hay. As it fo nearly refembles the horfe and 

 the afs in ftrufturc, it probably brings forth annually as they do. Their 

 noife is neither like that of a horfe nor an afs, but more refembling the 

 confufed barking of a maftiff dog. In fome the fkin hangs loofe upon 

 the neck, in a kind of dewlap, which takes away much from their 

 general beauty. 



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