s8 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 



The Afs, like the Horfe, was originally imported into 

 America by the Spaniards, where it has run wild, and 

 become extremely numerous. Ulloa informs us, that, in 

 the kingdom of Quito, they hunt them in the following 

 manner: — A number of perfons on horfeback, attended 

 by Indians on foot, form a large circle in order to drive 

 them into a narrow compafs, where at full fpeed they 

 throw a noofe over them, and having fecured them with 

 fetters, leave them till the chace is over, which frequent- 

 ly lafts for feveral days. They have all the fwiftnefs of 

 Horfes ; and neither declivities nor precipices can retard 

 them in their flight. When attacked, they defend them- 

 felves with their heels and mouths with fuch activity, 

 that, without flackening their pace, they often maim 

 their purfuers. 



A warm climate is mofl favourable to the growth of 

 this animal : The Afs produced in this country is much 

 inferior in fize and beauty to thofe of Spain and other 

 warm countries: In Guinea, they are larger and more 

 beautiful than even their Horfes : In Perfia, they have 

 two kinds,: — the one flow and heavy, which is made ufe 

 of for carrying burthens ; the other nimble, fmooth, and 

 ftately, ufed chiefly for the faddle. They are managed 

 as Horfes; and, like them, are taught to amble. They 

 generally flit their noftrils, to give them more room for 

 breathing. Many of thefe are fold as high as forty or 

 fifty pounds. 



Holingfhed informs us, that, in the reign of queen 

 Elizabeth, there were no Afles in this country:. How 

 foon after they might be introduced, is uncertain. How- 

 ever they are at prefent naturalized in this kingdom > 

 where their utility becomes daily more univerfally expe- 

 rienced. 



