382 QUADRUPEDS. 



SECTION OF THE SOLIPEDES. 



The third section of Pachyderms comprehend 

 The Solipedes, having only one apparent toe on each foot, 

 which is enclosed in a single hoof. They have, however, under 

 the skin, the rudiments of lateral toes. Only one genus is known, 

 namely, 



The Horses (Equus), distinguished by having six incisors in each jaw ; 

 small canines likewise exist in the males, which are wanting in the females. 

 Between the canines and the first cheek-tooth there is a space which corre- 

 sponds with the angle of the lips, where the bit is placed, an arrangement by 

 which alone man has been able to subjugate this vigorous quadruped. 



The Horse (Equus Caballus], the noble companion of man in the battle and the 

 chase, in the labours of agriculture and of commerce, is of unknown origin. It would 

 seem, he exists in a wild state only in those places where horses, formerly domesti- 

 cated, have been left in freedom, as in Tartary and America. In such places they live 

 in troops, conducted and defended by an old male. The importation of horses into 

 the latter country dates about three hundred years back, but, nevertheless, wild horses 

 xist there in immense numbers. It is asserted that troops consisting of more than ten 

 thousand individuals are occasionally met with. The horse is distinguished by the 

 uniformity of his colour, and by his tail being ornamented with long hair throughout 

 its whole length. 



As intrepid as his master, the horse sees danger only to face it ; but, docile as he is 

 courageous, he responds to the slightest touch of the rein that guides him. The horse 

 gives himself entirely up to the service of mankind, understands what is required from 

 him, and refusing nothing, labours with all his strength, and even dies rather than 

 <lisobey. 



V 



FIG. 423. WILD Ass. 



The Ass (Asinus) is distinguished from the horse by his small size, by his 



