336 SCIENTIFIC ILLUSTRATIONS [Sub 



Easy Subjection. 



The ass, like the horse, was originally imported into America 

 by the Spaniards, and afterwards by other nations. In its 

 natural state this animal is swift, fierce, and formidable. When 

 attacked they defend themselves with their heels and mouth 

 with such activity, that without slackening their pace they often 

 maim their pursuers. But the most remarkable property in 

 these creatures is, that after carrying their first load, their 

 celerity leaves them, their dangerous ferocity is past, and they 

 soon contract the stupid look and dulness peculiar to the 

 assinine species. There are men who, in their constitution and 

 history, resemble this animal. A man of this calibre in his 

 married life and public career, or under the pressure of any 

 troubles, always begins and ends in one never-varying way. 

 He is first showy, pretentious, vociferous, and affects a vast 

 amount of resisting force; but as his manhood is only a re- 

 semblance to a thorough-bred man, he is soon quelled. A wife, 

 a priest, or a tyrant places the load well on his back, and all 

 his courage departs for ever, and in dull submission he will con- 

 tinue to pace in perfect obedience to the bridle of authority. 



A. 



Subterfuges the Resort of the Overpowered. 



Weakness often resorts to dissimulation for artifices of 

 defence. But unless over-matched, strong men and strong 

 animals do not defend themselves by tricks. The stag, being 

 utterly unequal to cope with his powerful enemies, illustrates 

 the tendency of the weak to resort to subterfuges for defence. 

 His intelligence is shown chiefly in the arts by which he 

 endeavours to escape when pursued. In order to deceive the 

 hounds, he will return twice or thrice upon his former steps. 

 He seems aware that he is followed by the scent, and will try, 

 as he flees, to excite hinds or younger stags to come after him, 

 and draw oft the dogs from his track. If he succeed in this 

 attempt, he will often spring away in a side course, and some- 

 times lie down on his belly, as well to rest as to conceal himself. 

 It is not till he has exhausted all his artifices that he goes into 

 the water to cut off the scent. B. 



