ASS. 



431 



tremely shy and vigilant, and, like the former 

 ianimals, dart off with the utmost rapidity, on the 

 sight of mankind. They have been at all times 

 celebrated for their swiftness. Their voice resem- 

 bles that of the common or domesticated Ass, but 

 is somewhat shriller. 



From this animal the domestic Ass has been 

 gradually derived, which admits of considerable 

 varieties as to size, beauty, and strength, in dif- 

 ferent countries. Those of the eastern parts of 

 the world, as well as those of Africa, still partake, 

 in a great degree, of the native elegance of their 

 original or stock ; and are very different from 

 those commonly seen in the northern parts of 

 Europe ; for this animal seems to be much in- 

 jured by the influence of a comparatively cold cli- 

 mate. 



The general run of European Asses have large 

 slouching ears, a heavy apj^earance, and are of an 

 ash-colour, more or less deep in different indi- 

 viduals, with a blackish dorsal stripe, crossed by 

 another over the shoulders, and thus exhibit- 

 ing the original mark of their species. In their 

 manners they exhibit no superior marks of saga- 

 city, buthave the merit of being patient, quiet, and 

 tractable, and are chiefly employed in the inferior 

 offices of servitude. The Ass is observed to be 

 very temperate in his food, and by no means de- 

 licate in the choice of it ; eating thistles, and a 

 variety of coarse herbage which the horse refuses. 

 He is said to be particularly fond of plantane, for 

 which he will neglect every other herb of the 



