THE DONKEY 



Fig. 28. — Welsh Pony. 



THE DONKEY 



History. — The donkey or ass, a beast of burden common 

 to southern Europe, was first brought to this country about 

 the time of the Revolutionary War. The best types have 

 come from Spain and France, and are now found in the 

 southern and central parts of the United States, more 

 particularly in Kentucky and Missouri. 



Characteristics. — The donkey is distinguished from the 

 horse by its long ears, large head, slender legs, small hoofs, 

 and its peculiar voice. The color sought for in this country 

 is black, with gray points. The feet are very narrow and 

 the joints of the legs are large, although the bones are of 

 good quality. The body is compact and the back is short 



