218 MAMMALIA. 



The flesli of tte Ass has a disagreeable taste, so that it never 

 can become popular as public food ; but that of their foals, on the 

 contrarj^ is very tender, and differs but little from veal. 



As a strengthening agent, or as a mild and light article of 

 food for invalids, the milk of the Ass has long been considered 

 excellent. The Greeks of antiquity made use of it for this pur- 

 pose. It contains more lacteous and less caseous matter than 

 Co-\vs' milk ; but it should invariablj^ be taken from a young and 

 health}' animal in good condition, which has been fed abundantly 

 on wholesome food. 



The Ass is also of considerable service to us after its death. 

 Its skin, which is very hard and elastic, is employed for various 

 purposes. For instance, in making drums, sieves, excellent shoes, 

 parchment for memorandum books, tablets, &c., &c. The skin of 

 the Ass is also preferred by collar-makers and saddlers for the 

 various pads used in harness. 



The Ass and Mare produce a mixed breed, which participates 

 in the shape and characteristics of the two species from which 

 thejr proceed. This cross does not, however, constitute an inter- 

 mediate race, as they are unable to reproduce. 



The cross between the Ass and the Mare is called a Mule. 



In its size and neck and shoulders, the Mule inherits the fine 

 shape of the Mare. From the Ass it derives the length of its 

 ears, its almost naked tail, its sure-footedness, and strong consti- 

 tution. Its hair is short, rough, and generally of a brownish black 

 colour ; there are, however, many Mules which have grey or 

 chestnut coats, with a stripe along the back of dark hair, as well 

 as bands of the same shade around the limbs. It is a long-lived 

 animal, even occasionally reaching the age of forty-five to fifty 

 years. Almost omnivorous in reference to herbage. Mules have 

 an advantage that cannot be too highlj^ valued ; moreover, a level 

 country or mountainous region equally suits them ; provided 

 neither are too damp. Although patient, it will not submit to 

 ill-treatment without bearing malice. 



A fine, large, serviceable stock of Mules are to be found in the 

 Department of Deux-Sevres ; those that are met with in Sj)ain 

 and Italy are often brought from there. The Departments of 

 La Vendee and Charente furnish those which are employed in 

 the carriage of merchandise over the most difiicult passes of the 



