THE HORSE. 



v_ 



A Wild Ass. 



■>f* 



Eclipse. 



In England, there have been some instances of wonderful swiftness in the race horse. As among the 

 most prominent of English racers, we may mention the celebrated Eclipse, who was never beaten, and the 

 scarcely less famous horses, Flying Childers and Godolphin Arabian. 



The humble and hardy Ass is scarcely less serviceable to man than the more imposing horse. In this 

 country, where it meets with harsh treatment, is scantily fed, and only used for laborious tasks, it is dull 

 and obstinate ; but in the East, where it is employed by the rich nobles and is properly treated, it is an 

 elegant and spirited animal, with good action and smooth coat. White Asses are always used in the East 

 for the especial service of bearing persons of distinction, a custom of great antiquity. In Persia, and other 

 countries, there are herds of Wild Asses. They are so fleet that no horses can come up to them, and even 

 with rifles the chase is very uncertain. The Persians esteem its flesh very highly, considering'it one of 

 their greatest delicacies. 



There is a mixed breed between the Horse and the Ass, called the Mule, an animal in no very great 

 request in this country, but extensively used in the East for riding, and in Spain it is the established beast 

 of burden. It is very sure footed, and is on that acccount employed in the Andes instead of the Llama 



A Mule. 



(167) 



Flving Child' 



a 



