34 THE ASIATIC WILD ASS. 



was very trying, and tlie kiang suffered greatly from the 

 extreme heat. With the exception of about three days, it 

 always had a voracious appetite, and consumed in four as 

 much food as had been laid in for six months. 



Major Hay states that in Tibet the kiang breeds with 

 the horse, and that their produce is highly valued ; and he 

 adds, although not on his own knowledge, that the hybrids 

 are regarded as fertile, which is in the highest degree 

 improbable. Of its voice Major Hay says : 



" I have often heard this one attempt a neigh, but it is a sad 

 failure ; at the same time it as little resembles the bray of an 

 ass ; indeed, its mode of calling to its companion is, hke itself, 

 quite unique. I feel quite confident that this female kiang may 

 be got to breed with a horse. I always found the kiang 

 very susceptible of kindness, its satisfaction being usually 

 expressed l:>y throwing its ears forward ; it generally shows a 

 sort of pettish displeasure when anyone is leaving it after giving 

 it bread, &.c. I twice placed a native of India on its back, but 

 this was after it had gone a march, when it was slightly dis- 

 tressed by the heat of the weather ; it took no notice whatever 

 of its rider. I was convinced of the kiang's specific difference 

 from the wild ass of Scinde when I saw one of the latter at 

 Delhi, intended for conveyance to England, and this made me 

 persevere the more to get it home. I have often watched the 

 herds of this animal on the plains or slopes of hills in Tibet ; 

 one invariably stands sentry at from 100 to 200 yards from the 

 flock, and when danger is at hand he commences walking 

 leisurely towards his companions. They take the alarm, and, 

 as soon as he comes up, off all go together in a trot or canter, as 

 the case may require. I don't know to what space to limit the 

 range of the kiang. Marco Polo speaks of asses, but evidently 

 alludes to those of Persia. Hue and Gabet evidently saw them 

 towards Lassa ; and I have been told that they are to be met 

 with on all the level country between Ladak and Lassa, or in the 

 valleys between the various ranges. I have seen them only 



