CHAPTEE X. 



HYBRID EQUIDJE. 



It would appear that all the different species of the genus 

 Equus are capable of breeding together and producing 

 hybrid offspring, some of which are perfectly sterile mules, 

 whilst others are apparently fertile, either with one or other 

 parent species if not inter se. Some of these hybrids are 

 of great economic value, and it is deeply to be regretted 

 that the opportunities that have presented themselves in our 

 European zoological collections have not been utilised as 

 they might have been, in introducing new species into the 

 service of man, and in producing other useful hybrids 

 beyond the common mule. 



In the present chapter I propose to enumerate, as far as 

 practicable, the various equine hybrids that have been 

 produced, and of which any definite account has been 

 published, commencing with those of the horse. 



HoBSE (jE7. caballus) Hybrids. 



It appears most probable, though it has not been 

 absolutely proved, that the horse is capable of producing 

 hybrids with every other species of the genus Equus. The 

 hybrid between the horse and the ass is well known. 

 AVhen the ass is the male parent it is termed a mule ; on 

 the other hand, if the horse is the sire the produce is 

 termed a hinny, or in some places a jennet. The considera- 



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