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MAMMALIA — ZEBRA. 



THE DZHIGGTAI, OR WILD ASS,i 



Exhibits in its natural, or wild state, an appearance very far superior, both 

 in point of beauty and vivacity, to the horse. It is a native of Asia, living, 

 like the rest of this genus, in a gregarious manner. It chiefly occurs in the 

 dry and mountainous deserts of Tartary, and in the southern parts of India 

 and Persia. It is frequently spoken of as being met with, by travellers in 

 Africa; but the quagga, which abounds in Southern Africa, and is some- 

 times called the wild ass, has been no doubt confounded with this animal. 

 The color of the wild ass is gray, or brownish yellow, with a brown dorsal 

 stripe, and one or two bands across the shoulders. 



The food of this animal consists chiefly of saline or bitter plants. It is 

 also fond of salt or brackish water. The manners of the wild ass resemble 

 those of the wild horse. They assemble in troops, under the conduct of a 

 leader or sentinel, and are extremely shy and vigilant ; and, like the former 

 animals, dart off with the utmost rapidity on the sight of mankind. They 

 have been at all times celebrated for their swiftness. Their voice resembles 

 that of the domestic ass, but is somewhat shriller. From this animal, the 

 domestic ass has been gradually derived. 



THE ZEBRAS 



Is, perhaps, the handsomest and most elegantly clothed of all quadrupeds. 

 He has the shape and graces of the horse, the swiftness of the stag, and 



' Equus hemionus, Desm. 



Equus zebra, Lin. 



