THE ASS. 



7 2 S 



Strong, surefooted, hardy, and easily maintained, the Ass is of infinite use to the 

 poorer classes of the community, who need the services of a beast of burden, and can- 

 not afford to purchase or keep so expensive an animal as a hbrse. In the hands of 

 unthinking and uneducated people, the poor creature generally leads a very hard life, 

 and is subjected to much and undeserved ill-treatment ; not so much from deliberate 

 cruelty as from want of thought. We often see the poor animal laden with a burden that 

 is evidently beyond its powers, and continually urged forward by blows. Not long ago, I 

 saw a poor donkey harnessed to a low cart in which were seated three full-grown women, 

 one of whom was continually belaboring the animal with a thick stick. Presently they 

 stopped, took up a fourth passenger, and again moved on in spite of all remonstrances 

 on behalf of the unfortunate creature that was forced to drag so heavy a weight. 



ASS.A'slaus vulgaris. 



This cruel treatment is a impolitic as it is inhuman ; for there are few animals 

 which will better repay kindness than the Ass, or will develop better qualities. 



Some years ago a very excellent movement was started by Captain Scott, R. N., for 

 the purpose of ameliorating the condition of certain unfortunate donkeys which were 

 employed in the conveyance of coal, and were in a most pitiable condition. 



Several persons had attempted to remonstrate with the owners of the poor animals, 

 and had only been insulted, without achieving any successful result. Captain S. however, 

 struck out another line of conduct, and instead of abusing or persecuting those who 

 treated their animals badly, he offered prizes to those who could produce the best and 

 healthiest donkey. Several persons joined him in this most laudable undertaking, and 

 they held quarterly meetings, at which the prizes were bestowed. A medal was also 

 given to each successful competitor, and the association pledged themselves to employ no 



