VARIETIES OF THE ASS. 91 



consume from one-fifth to one-third more provender. Yet 

 even at this he will consume so much less, while doing 

 more constant, though somewhat slower, work than the 

 horse, that three of the large-sized mules may bo -kept in 

 perfect condition on the same amount of food which is 

 required for the support of a pair of the nobler animals. 



It is evident, therefore, that where mules are not re- 

 quired for show or speed, as saddle or carriage animals, as 

 they are not, and probably never will be, in this country, 

 the smaller-sized animals are the more profitable both to 

 . raise and to keep, for the purposes of labor. 



Now, it should be understood, that there are at least 

 three different varieties of asses — beside the small, common 

 jack, supposed to be of African origin, generally of a light- 

 grey color, with a black stripe along his back and a trans- 

 verse list or bar across his shoulders — all of which, are 

 more or less used for breeding in this country. Although 

 the African jack above mentioned, is rarely used in this 

 country for breeding purposes, the mules bred from him 

 are infinitely the most hardy of all, though the lowest in 

 stature. The other breeds are these : first, the large, coarse, 

 heavy Spanislj jack, with slouching ears and a dull, plod- 

 ding gait, from which the mules for agricultural purposes 

 are ordinarily raised on the Peninsula. It is this breed 

 which has been so much exhausted by the consumption of 

 the Peninsular war, and subsequent internal commotions, 

 that it is in some districts all but extinct. Second, the 

 Andalusian jack, with shorter and more erect ears, more 

 active, spirited, and sprightly than the foregoing species, 

 yet sufficiently strong and well provided with bone. This 

 animal is probably no other than a slightly degenerated 

 descendant of the Arabian species, which has become some- 

 what coarser and larger boned, as well as less spirited, in 

 consequence of his long residence in a colder climate — 



