448 UNGULATA. 



domesticated. Many zoologists suggest that this animal is the progen- 

 itor of the domestic ass. They are exactly similar in appearance, and 

 are hardly distinguishable by the eye. But while the one is quiet and 

 docile, the other is savage, intractable, and filled with an invincible 

 repugnance to human beings." Some other authorities, however, assert 

 that the best riding asses in Persia and Arabia are Wild Ass foals that 

 have been caught young, and retain all the excellent qualities of 

 endurance possessed by their progenitors. 



THE AFRICAN WILD ASS. 



The African Wild Ass, Eguus tceniopus, resembles in size and 

 appearance the common Egyptian donkey ; but, in his habits, does not 

 differ from the Asiatic species just described. It is found in the regions 

 east of the Nile, being numerous along the course of the Atbara tributary 

 of that river, as far as the Red Sea. It lives in herds exactly like the 

 other wild Eguidcs. It is very shy and circumspect, and the chase of it 

 is very difficult. Travelers report that herds will often come up to 

 tS^hr watch-fires, and remain till some noise or movement sends them 

 bounding back into the night. 



All the asses used in Abyssinia seem to be descended from this species. 

 Brehm saw many asses in that country which, he was assured, had been 

 captured when foals and tamed, and he describes them as being docile. 

 A male which he possessed for some time, had a noble carriage and a 

 very affectionate disposition. 



In this species the mane is weak and short, the tail-tuft long and 

 strong, the cross on the back very distinct, while the legs have horizon- 

 tal stripes such as are seen on the legs of the zebra. 



THE COMMON ASS. 



The Common Ass, Eguus Asinus (Plate XXXIII), is one of the most 

 intelligent of our domestic animals, and is by no means the stupid crea- 

 ture which common parlance makes him. 



While the horse is full of pride, impetuosity, and ardor, the ass is 

 mild, humble, and patient, and bears with resignation the most cruel 

 treatment. Most abstemious in its habits, it is content with the coarsest 

 herbage, which other beasts will not touch, even such as thistles and 

 weeds. A small quantity of water is sufficient for it, but this it requires 



