34 BRITISH QUADRUPEDS. 



dozen horses of the finest blood, and the party escape, 

 it is infallibly the poor donkey that has led the way. 

 It is he alone that penetrates the secret of the bolt 

 and latch. Often have we stood at the other side of a 

 hedge, contemplating a whole troop of blood mares and 

 their offspring patiently waiting, while the donkey was 

 snuffing over a piece of work, to which all but he felt 

 themselves incompetent." 



A friend of the writer's was well acquainted with the 

 habits of one of these sagacious animals. Robin was a 

 fine creature, and he discovered more than ordinary 

 intelligence. He carefully examined the water that 

 was offered him, and would not touch it, unless the ele- 

 ment, and even the vessel that contained it, were quite 

 agreeable. Like his race, he loved too to be dry-footed, 

 and would walk far round water sooner than pass 

 through it. If he found those who were with him 

 regaling themselves by his side, he sagaciously turned 

 round his head to ask for a share ; and though he did 

 not disdain an inferior gift, he was more than commonly 

 pleased with a piece of bun ; in the hope of which, or of 

 something equally acceptable, he regularly went down 

 some steps, to visit a neighbouring bakehouse. 



Robin knew well how to open gates with his teeth, 

 and raise latches with his nose ; and there was more 



