170 



VERTEBRATES. 



rather vicious, intractable, and obstinate. They are remarkably 

 hardy, sure-footed, and able to endure great fatigue. The finest 

 mules are produced in Spain, and in some parts of the United 



States, and many of them are fifteen or sixteen hands high. It 

 is surprising they are not more used in England, as tbey are much 

 hardier than horses, and even surpass them in strength : they are 

 less subject to disease, and will live and work to twice -the age of a 

 horse. They are particularly useful in mountainous countries, and 

 in rocky, stony ways. Therefore they are much used in the Alps 

 and Pyrenees. From the medals of Julia and Agrippina, it appears 

 that the Roman ladies' had chariots drawn by mules. David and 

 his sons rode upon mules. 



The Ass. — The humble and hardy Ass is scarcely less ser- 

 viceable to man than the more imposing horse. On the continent 

 of Europe, where it meets with harsh treatment, is scantily fed, 

 and only used for laborious tasks, it is dull and obstinate ; but in 

 the East, where it is employed by the rich nobles and is properly 



