172 



VERTEBRATES. 



to Stray intx) the pasture where they are feeding in bands. They 

 fall upon Jiini] and bite and kick him, till he ceases to exist. 



The most beautiful specimen of asses is the Atun, or white 

 ass. Calmet says, that it is the immediate descendant of the wUd 

 ass, or onager, and is much valued by the great men of the East, 

 and eagerly sought after for their own personal dignity and ac- 

 commodation. Such is the price of these lovely and elegantly 

 proportioned creatures, that common people are unable to procure 

 them, and the possession of them is therefore restricted to the 

 great and wealthy. Some writers have stated that the genuine 

 race of white asses is peculiar to the vicinity of the river Eu 

 phrates. The white of this comely animal is of a silvery color 

 contributing greatly to its noble appearance, and therefore s 

 suited to the imposing and graceful procession of ancient eastern 

 princes. 



The Dzigguetai of the Tartars, has been but little known 

 until recent years. It is a denizen of barren plains, where it gleans 

 a sustenance from sca*;tered patches of vegetation, passing with 



