ZEBRA-HORSE HYBRIDS. 



The Zebra Siee of the Hybrids. 



During the last two years* I liave bred five hybrids by 

 crossing roares with a zebra stallion [Equus burchelli var. 

 chapmani). The first hybrid was born on August 12th, 

 1896; the others were born during the summer of 1897. 

 The dams of the respective hybrids are (1 ) an island of Eum 

 pony, (2) a Shetland pony, (3j an Iceland pony, (4) an Irish 

 mare, (5) a cross-bred Clydesdale mare. 



The sire (" Matopo ") of all the hybrids is a handsome 12.2 

 hands Burchell's zebra, probably from the Transvaal. As 

 Fig. 7 shows, Matopo is well formed, with powerful legs, 

 and for a zebra, a fine neck and fairly good shoulders. 

 In his movements he is almost perfect. When trotting the 

 fore-legs move gracefully, without suggesting the hammer- 

 ing action of the hackney; and when galloping he seems to 

 bound along as if without effort, and with but little expen- 

 diture of energy. 



If zebras deserve the ill character they have hitherto 

 borne, Matopo must be an exception to the rule. We are 

 too apt to forget that until zebras have been under domes- 

 tication for some generations, it is unfair to judge them by 

 the horse standard, which after all is not so very high. I 

 have known several perfectly docile captured zebras, and I 

 have had in my possession a filly (taken when quite young 

 in the Transvaal) which from the first was as docile, tract- 

 able, and trustworthy as auy pony that was ever foaled. I 

 have refrained from handling Matopo for obvious reasons, 

 yet there is never any difiiculty in managing him, unless 

 when he is herding mares, or unusually excited. When in 

 a field with mares he is unapproachable, for, regardless of 

 consequences, he attacks all who venture into his vicinity. 

 * 1896 and 1897. , 



