ZEBRAS. 357 



or motion, no less than the appearance of any object that is un- 

 familiar, at once rivets their gaze, and causes them to stop and 

 hsten with the utmost attention — any taint in the air equally 

 attracting their olfactory organs. Instinct having taught these 

 beautiful animals that in union consists their strength, they 

 combine in a compact group when menaced by an attack either 

 from man or beast ; and if overtaken by the foe, they unite for 

 mutual defence with their heads together in a close, circular band, 

 presenting their heels to the enemy, and dealing out kicks in 

 equal force and abundance. Beset on all sides, or partially 

 crippled, they rear on their hinder legs, fly at the adversary with 

 jaws distended, and use both teeth and heels with the greatest 

 freedom." 



The Burchell's zebras that have at various periods been ex- 

 hibited in the Zoological Gardens in London have generally been 

 very fine specimens and have always looked in good condition. 

 They have also on several occasions been bred by the Society. 

 The foals are funny-looking little animals, and have the awkward 

 long-legged appearance of all colts ; the stripes are well-marked, 

 but the hair is shaggy and rough, especially over the hind-quarters. 



The late Lord Derby had several Burchell's zebras in the 

 collection of animals he made at Knowsley Park for acclimatizing 

 experiments, and he was very successful in rearing the young ones. 



The mules between these zebras and the common ass are said 

 to be possessed of most serviceable qualities, for they are par- 

 ticularly hardy, strong, and as fast as first-class ponies. It is 

 somewhat surprising that this useful cross is not more common. 

 The perfect conduct and utility of these hybrids was demonstrated 

 by the Zoological Society many years ago, for, probably as an 

 advertisement, their cart used to be drawn about the streets by a 

 couple of them, driven in a tandem, and their behaviour and hand- 

 some appearance was the subject of general comment. 



In London not very long ago, a pair of them owned by a well- 

 known gentleman were often seen being driven about the streets 

 and in the Park. They also were generally harnessed tandem 

 fashion to a light chaise cart and made a striking and handsome 

 turnout. 



