THE ZEBRA. 



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QUAGGA.— Asinus qxuwjga. 



A nearer approach to the true zebra is seen in the animal which is indifferently termed 

 the Dauw, the Peechi, or Burchell's Zebra. This species is an inhabitant of Southern 

 Africa, where it is found in large herds south of the Orauge River. Unlike the wild ass of 

 Asia, the Dauw keeps aloof from the rocky and hilly districts, and is only found on the plains, 

 where it wanders in cbmpany with ostriches, various antelopes, and other strange comrades. 

 The general appearance of this species bears a considerable resemblance to that of the zebra, 

 from which animal it may be immediately distinguished by the color, number, and extent of 

 the dark stripes and bands. In the Dauw, the stripes are not so black as in the zebra, and 

 instead of covering the entire body and limbs, they only extend over the head, neck, body, 

 and the upper portions of the legs. The general color of the fur is a pale-brown, becoming 

 grayish -white upon the abdomen and inner faces of the limbs. 



Like many other gregarious animals of Southern Africa, the Dauw is found to make 

 periodical migrations, for the purpose of supporting itself with the food that has failed in its 

 original district. In times of scarcity the Dauw, together with several species of antelope, 

 visits the cultivated lands, and makes sad havoc among the growing crops. When rain has 

 fallen, and the forsaken districts have regained their fertility, the Dauw leaves the scene of its 

 plunder, and returns to its ancient pasturage. 



The Dauw is capable of a partial domestication, and can be tamed to a considerable extent. 

 It is, however, considered as possessing a tetchy and uncertain temper, and is of too obstinate 

 a disposition to be of much use to man. By the Matabili and Bechuana Kaffirs it is called 

 Peet-sey, and the Dutch colonists have given it the name of Bontequagga. 



Among all the species of the Ass tribe, the Zebra is by far the most conspicuous and the 

 most beautiful. 



The general color of the Zebra is a creamy white, marked regularly with velvety black 

 stripes that cover the entire head, neck, body, and limbs, and extend down to the very feet. 

 It is worthy of note, that the stripes are drawn nearly at right angles to the part of the body 



