28 NATURALISTS CABINET. 



Characteristics. 



each time that he took in or emitted air. He is 

 said to have eaten the same food, and in about 

 the same quantity as other horses. 



THE JSS. 



THIS animal bears so near a resemblance lo 

 the horse, both in its external and internal con- 

 formation, that, upon a superficial view, we might 

 be induced to suppose them of the same species ; 

 but a more careful examination will convince us, 

 that they are perfectly distinct, and that nature 

 has drawn an insuperable line between them. 



" The ass," says M. Buffon, " is naturally as 

 humble, patient, and quiet, as the horse is proud, 

 ardent, and impetuous. He suffers with con- 

 stancy, and perhaps with courage, chastisement, 

 and blows; he is moderate both as to the quan- 

 tity and quality of his food, being contented with 

 the hardest and most disagreeable herbs, which 

 the horse and other animals will leave with dis- 

 dain: he drinks as moderately as he eats; but is 

 very delicate with respect to his water, for he 

 will drink none but the cleanest, and from rivu- 

 lets with which he is acquainted. He never 

 wallows in the mud or water; but will even turn 

 out of his road to avoid wetting his feet: his legs 

 are also drier and cleaner than those of the 

 horse." 



Jn a state of native wilduess, as seen in, th<e 



