CHAP. VIII. 



ASSES AND MULES. 



463 



Asses require very little more attention in rearing than occasionally 

 to pare their hoofs, which are otherwise apt to grow long at the toe, 

 and become narrow at the heel, thus rendering them liable to stumble. 

 They are naturally very sure-footed, and if trained with gentleness they 

 will be found exceedingly docile, their intractability being generally 

 the effect of ill-treatment. 



" Farmers," says a writer in the " Scottish Farmer," " have paid 

 far too little attention to the ass. There are many jobs about the 

 farm which one or a couple of donkeys could perform to the saving of 

 a horse ; and, as an ass could be bought for a tenth or a twentieth of 

 the price of a good horse, and fed at a fourth of the expense on the 

 coarse herbage, indeed, which all other animals on the farm are too 



Fig. 100. The Mule. 



nice to taste the balance in favour of keeping two, instead of an 

 extra horse, would be something considerable." It is gratifying, how- 

 ever, to know that much greater attention is now being paid to the 

 breeding and rearing of donkeys or asses. They are frequently 

 exhibited at our shows, 1 and special exhibitions are sometimes given of 

 them. This with the valuable prizes offered has done much, and is 

 likely in the future to do more, to bring before farmers and others a 

 superior breed of this highly useful, although hitherto contemned 

 animal. Sir George Elliot, of Aberaman, has been exceedingly suc- 

 cessful in the introduction into this country of the Egyptian donkey. 

 This breed is remarkable for its symmetry, its swiftness, and the 

 beautiful colour of its coat. 



1 At the Windsor Show of the Royal Agricultural Society (1889), an exceptional section 

 was provided for Asses (of any breed). The two prizes in the stallion class both went to 

 Mr. C. L. Sutherland, Down Hall, Farnborough, Kent, the 1st for a black Maltese (Old 

 Gozo) variety, the 2nd for a black Poitou-Maltese. In their report the Judges say : 

 " Seventeen Asses were entered for competition, eight Jacks and nine She-asses. They 

 were of all sorts and sizes, and included specimens from Spain, France, Malta, Syria, and 

 Egypt, besides one or two natives of England." 



