672 



ASSES, ZEBRAS AND EQUINE HYBRIDS. 



intermediate between those of the horse and those of 

 the ass. The hind chestnuts in some cases are well 

 developed, as in the ordinary horse ; in others, they are 

 in a comparatively vestigial form, and one or both may 

 be absent. These hybrids " resemble the ass more than 

 the horse in their placid temper, great adaptability to 

 work, and longevity. In carrying or drawing loads they 

 are superior to horses of the same weight, and they can 



P/iolo hii] [M. H. H. 



Fig. 633. — Hybrid by a Burchell's zebra out of a Scottish cart mare (15 hands). 



obtain the necessary energy from food which horses cannot 

 digest, as for instance, the reeds on which the mules of 

 the south of France live. I have experimentally estab- 

 lished the fact that their digestive power is higher than 

 that of horses " (Sanson). They are excellent campaigners. 

 Mules are bred in great numbers in Fiance, Spain, Italy, 

 North Africa and America, and are of the light, active 

 type, except those of the French province of Poitou. 



