290 THE CAMEL 



walk as fast as either a pony or a mule, his average pace 

 being 2^ miles an hour; but he requires far less care 

 and attention, fewer drivers (one to six or eight), and 

 infinitely less rations to carry, and he is little or no 

 trouble to look after, for he has great patience and 

 docility. The establishment of breeding studs and the 

 greater employment of the donkey as a transport 

 animal is well worth the attention of the military 

 authorities. In Europe, Spain and Portugal stand 

 first, not only in point of numbers, but in the excel- 

 lence of their donkeys, it being computed that there 

 are over 2,500,000 in the Peninsula. They are noted 

 for their beauty and good breeding, which naturally 

 accounts for the excellence of the mules. Italy is like- 

 wise famous for its breeds, and numbers over 500,000 ; 

 France coming next with about 400,000, and the 

 United Kingdom with about 350,000 ; but I do not 

 think either the French or ourselves take any care or 

 trouble in breeding them. 



The donkey in Southern Afghanistan is about the 

 same size as the Nubian, and very strong and wiry. I 

 have seen them carrying 130 Ib. apiece, and sometimes 

 up to 180 Ib., without any pack, over the rough mountain 

 passes of the Kojak. The Syrian donkeys are the finest 

 I have ever seen, and are very strong and large, up 

 to 13 hands 3 in., and even 14 hands. I have never 

 used them for transport, but imagine they would 

 answer the purpose very well. They are excellent for 

 riding and have good paces. They would be invalu- 

 able for the stud, and would immensely improve the 

 breed. The Berber breed would, from what I have 

 read, be also an acquisition. The majority are black, 



