78 History of Nature. [BooK VIII. 



mon Herd rear up the Orphan in common. It is said, that 

 for three Days after they are newly foaled, the young Colts 

 cannot lay their Mouth to the Ground. The hotter sto- 

 mached an Horse is, the deeper he thrusteth his Nose into 

 the Water as he drinketh. The Scythians chose rather to use 

 their Mares in War, because their staling is no Hindrance to 

 their Running. It is an admitted Fact that in Lusitania, along 

 the River Tagus, and about the City Olyssipo (Lisbon) when 

 the West Wind bloweth, 1 the Mares set themselves full against 

 it, and so conceive that genital Air from which they become 

 pregnant, and bring forth Foals of exceeding Swiftness ; but 

 they live not above three Years. In the same Spain, from 

 the Parts called Gallaica (Gallicia) and Asturica (Asturia) 

 there is produced a Race of Horses which we call Thieldones; 

 and others of less Stature, named Asturcones. These Horses 

 have a pleasant Pace peculiar to themselves ; with one Foot 

 set down before another softly and roundly in order by 

 turns ; from which our Horse-breakers have obtained the Art 

 by Cords to bring an Horse to the like Amble. A Horse is 

 subject to almost the same Diseases as a Man : and also to 

 the turning of the Bladder : as likewise all other Beasts that 

 labour. 



CHAPTER XLIII. 

 Of Asses* 



M. VARRO writeth, that Q. Axius, a Senator, bought an 

 Ass at the Price of four hundred thousand Sesterces: a Price, 

 in my Opinion, above the Worth of any Beast whatever: and 

 yet (no Doubt) he was able to do wondrous good Service in 

 carrying Burdens, ploughing the Ground, and principally in 

 getting Mules. In the Purchase there is special Regard to 

 the Country from whence they come ; as from Arcadia in 

 Achaia, and Reate in Italy. This Animal is exceedingly im- 



1 Virgil has the same monstrous tale (Georg. iii. 273) ; and such 

 absurdities may be pardoned in a poet, but are inexcusable in a natural 

 philosopher. Wern, Club. 



2 Asinus vulgaris. GRAY. The Ass. Wern. Club' 



