ASS. 
sary precaution to improve the breed in Spain, 
it is no unusual thing to meet with an animal 
of this species full fifteen hands high. 
The Ass seems to have been originally a 
native of Arabia, and other parts of the east ; 
and v^arm climates still produce the largest 
and best. Their size and spirit both evidently 
d^line on their removal into colder regions. 
Ill Persia there are two kinds of Asses : one 
of which, used for burdens, is slow and h^a- 
vy; the other, which is kept for the . saddle, 
being stately and nimble. They are ma- 
naged in the same manner as horses ; except 
that the rider sits nearer the crupper : and, 
like them, they are taught to amble. Their 
nostrils are generally enlarged, in order to 
uUow them more room for breathing ; and 
one of them is frequently sold for a sum equal 
to forty or fifty pounds of our money. The 
Persians, indeed, so higlily esteem the flesh 
of this animal, that it's delicacy is even pro- 
verbial among them. When fresh killed, it is 
hot and unsavoury ; but, being kept some time 
after it is boiled, is said to become cxGcll^nt 
food. 
