ASS. 
temperate, as well with respecl to the quanrity 
as the quaHty of it*s provisions ; being sitis- 
fied with the most negle6):ed weeds, and making 
it's humble repast on the refuse of the horse 
and other animals. But, notwithstanding this 
apparent indiiTerence as to food, it is pecu- 
liarly delicate in it's water, drinking onlv at 
the clearest brooks. It is, in fact, a pattern 
,of abstemiousness, both in drinking and eat- 
ing ; nor docs it ever dip it's nose in the 
stream, as is the practice of the horse. Be- 
ing seldom saddled, it frequently rolls itself on 
tlie grass ; and lies down for this purpose 
whenever opportunity permits, without re- 
garding it's burden. It is exrremelv averse 
to water; never rolls in the mud, like the 
horse ; and constantlv runs out of it's way, to 
avoid the dirty parts of a road. 
In if'>~ juvenile state, the Ass is sprightly, 
and even beautiful ; but it soon loses these 
quahfications, either throu2;h a;c cr injurious 
treatment, and becomes slow, stupid, and ob- 
stinate^ It seems to evince no ardour: ex- 
cept, indeed, that the male is so extremely 
libidinous, 
