THE ZEBRA. 23 



The horse, though now so subservient to our pleasure, 

 might probably once have been equally untame; and 

 had not the Arabians taught them subjection, we might 

 have been equally ignorant of their utility and use. 



Neither the delicacy of the zebra's shape or the 

 beauty of its form, are regarded by the inhabitants as 

 worthy to be prized ; but they frequently destroy them 

 as a luxury for the table, and consider their food as a 

 delicious treat. 



Though this animal is found in Europe, Asia, or Ame- 

 rica, it does not seem attached to the produce of any 

 particular clime, for that which was brought to England 

 some years ago would scarcely refuse any thing that was 

 offered it to eat. The noise they make bears some affi- 

 nity to the barking of a mastiff dog, and does not in the 

 least resemble the neighing or braying of the horse and 

 ass. 



The difficulty which attends the getting them into 

 possession, is the means of making them universally 

 prized ; and they are absolutely held in such high esti- 

 mation, as to be thought worthy of being sent as a 

 present to a king. 



CHAP. in. 



RUMINATING ANIMALS. 



OF all the animals in the creation, those which chew 

 the cud* are the most easily subdued; for, as they 

 entirely live upon vegetables, they have no interest in 



■ ' ■ ' ' " ~ ~, 



* Chewing the cud is food returned from the stomach to the mouth 

 without any appearance of exertion or pain. 



c4 



