THE ASIATIC WILD ASS. 33 



such a frightful pace, that Major Hay deemed it advisable 

 to throw the animal and secure it upon a raft, which was 

 with great difficulty got across. It was at Simla during 

 the whole of one rainy season, and did well, although 

 Adolph Schlagintweit had given it as his opinion that the 

 animal could not live under an elevation of 10,000ft. above 

 the level of the sea. It was then marched to Ferozepore. 

 On reaching the plains it seemed rather inclined to enjoy 

 freedom, and occasionally required four m^n to hold and 

 lead it, and even then on several occasions it got away, but 

 was not very difficult to secure again. 



At Ferozepore the mule which had accompanied it was 

 dismissed, and the kiang taken to Kurrachi by water, in a 

 boat purposely fitted up. There was much difficulty in 

 getting it on board. It was disembarked at Kothree, and 

 marched across the country to Kurrachi. 



After keeping it a month at Kurrachi, it was shipped 

 in the barque Sumner, a large quantity of hay, kirbee, 

 dried lucerne, and grain, being provided for it. The 

 latter was worm-eaten, and it was long before the animal 

 could be induced to touch it. The passage was very long, 

 and, provisions running short, the kiang was twice reduced 

 to eat the straw with which the sailors' beddings had been 

 stuffed. 



At first it refused to drink any tainted water, but, 

 before reaching St. Helena, where fresh supplies were 

 obtained, it would eat or drink almost anything. On 

 board ship it became exceedingly knowing, and balanced 

 itself so beautifully that it was not slung, unless the 

 weather was very rough. In an actual gale the poor 

 creature laboured dreadfully, and seemed grateful for atten- 

 tion. It became latterly extremely docile, and always knew 

 ts owner by his voice. In crossing the line the weather 



D 



