ORDER PACHYDERMATA. 437 



and clumsy Horses which we employ in the draught, are 

 equally the result of domestication. Their characters are 

 preserved by the attention of man : abandoned to them- 

 selves and to nature, they would soon resume the primitive 

 forms of their species, and lose all those valuable qualities 

 which are owing to breeding and education. 



Horses live in numerous troops, and inhabit the open 

 champaign countries. These troops are each conducted 

 by a male chief, continually at their head in travel or in 

 fight. These chiefs are indebted for their elevation to 

 their strength and courage, and when their natural force is 

 abated by the advance of age, their authority passes to him 

 who in his turn exhibits those qualities in the highest 

 degree. There is rarely any dispute concerning this right 

 of succession. The individual possessed of the requisite en- 

 dowments rises naturally from an inferior to a higher rank, 

 and is, finally, placed at the head of his fellows, by the mere 

 force of circumstances, without foresight orvolition having 

 in any shape furthered or retarded his advancement. The 

 authority of these chiefs is very considerable, although 

 naturally restricted by the interests of the troop. They are 

 constantly and everywhere followed. If there is a necessity 

 of seeking fresher pastures, or a milder climate, the chiefs 

 take the lead : and in the hour of combat they are the first 

 to expose themselves to danger. A secret instinct teaches 

 these animals that their strength consists in their union. 

 Accordingly, whenever they are menaced by a ferocious 

 beast, or any other of their enemies, they instantly com- 

 bine in close order, and if any succumb, it is generally the 

 weakest, he who has not sufficient strength to fly, or 

 who is too slow in his movements, if there be a necessity 

 of grouping for mutual defence. 



Their principal enemies are the larger Felinse, the Lion, 

 the Tiger, the Panther, or the Leopard, which they can 

 generally escape with facility or resist with success. Their 



