T H E Z E B R A. 271 



been brought to thefe countries from ^Ethiopia. 

 In fine, almoft all thofe we have feen in Europe 

 came from the Cape of Good Hope. This point 

 of Africa is their native climate, where they are 

 very numerous, and where the Dutch have ex- 

 erted every effort to tame and render them do- 

 meftic ; but they have not hitherto been able 

 fully to accompliih this purpofe. The zebra, 

 which was the fubjecl of our description, was 

 extremely wild when he arrived at the royal 

 menagery, and is not yet entirely tamed. They 

 have, however, brought him the length of be- 

 ing mounted ; but it requires great precaution. 

 Two men hold the bridle, while a third fits on 

 the animal's back. His mouth is extremely hard: 

 His ears are fo fenlible, that he flings whenever 

 they are touched, and, like a vicious horfe, he 

 is reftlefs, and as flubborn as a mule. But the 

 wild horfe and the onager are perhaps equally 

 untraceable ; and it is extremely probable, that, 

 if the zebra were early accuftomed to obedience. 

 and to a domeftic ftate, he would become equal- 

 ly gentle with the afs and horfe, and might fun- 

 ply the place of both. 



SUPPLEME N T, 



manner of garters. The whole of thefe ftripes or bands were 

 difpofed with fuch fymmetry, that no tiger or leopard's fkin 

 could equal the beauty of this animal's fldn. Two fimilar 

 afTes, belonging to the fame ambaflador, died on the road, 

 and he was carrying their fldns, together with the animal 

 that furvived, as a prefent to the Grand Seignior •> Relit. d*t» 

 voyage^ par Thevenot t torn. i./. 47 3 • 



