THICK-SKINNED QUADU0PEDS. 



1G9 



tain tlie breed entire. The Arabian race of horses has been diC 

 fused in Barbary, Egypt, and Persia. 



The Arabs keep their horses in the open air all the year 

 round. Though exposed to the inclemency of the weather at all 



Arabian HorseR. 



aeasons, and very little attention paid to its health, it is seldom ill. 

 From the time a colt is first employed for the purpose of riding, the 

 saddle is scarcely ever off its back. In winter a sackcloth is thrown 

 over the saddle, but in summer the horse stands exposed to the 

 mid daj sun. Many of the Arabs use, instead of a saddle, a 

 stuffed sheep-skin, and without stirrups. They ride without a 

 bridle, and employ a halter instead. So attached is it to its mas- 

 ter, and so great the kindness with which it is treated, that it feels 

 itself rather the friend, than the slave of man. 



The Mule is a mongrel quadruped, showing a resemblance 

 both to the horse and the ass. It is the offspring of a horse and 

 she ass, or an ass and mare. By the immutable law of Nature 

 mules can have no descendants. Mules are of great antiquity, and 

 were knowi in the days of David. In their disposition they are 



15 



