194 VERTEBRATA. MAMMALIA. 



round-built animals, as large as an Ass, covered with 

 thin but stiff hair, somewhat resembling the Rhi- 

 noceros in their skeleton. They are fond of water, 

 are vegetable feeders, mild, and docile, and capable 

 of attachment to man, and might probably be made 

 useful in servitude as beasts of burden or draught. 

 Two or three species are found in South America, 

 and one in India and the islands. 



The remaining genera of this order, which seem 

 to possess little in common with the true Pachy- 

 derms, are termed Solipedes ; having but one external 

 toe, enclosed in a single large hoof. They contain 

 animals highly serviceable to man, probably very 

 early domesticated. 



Equus,* the Horse. 



Of this genus but one species is known (23. 

 Caballus), all our domestic breeds being varieties. 

 A noble, docile, affectionate, and powerful creature, 

 his assistance is invaluable, in the chase, in war, in 

 travelling, in agriculture. The Horse does not exist 

 in a wild original condition, for even those of Tar- 

 tary are descended from reclaimed individuals ; we 

 know him only as our tried and valued friend. His 

 fiery, but speaking eye, his arching neck, " clothed 

 with thunder," his fine and glossy coat, his flowing 

 tail, his graceful form, and his unrivalled swiftness, 



* Its Latin name. 



