30 
NATURAL HISTORY. 
words, he sprang on her back, and galloped off to- 
wards the Desert.” 
THE ASS. 
59. The domestic Ass is found in almost every 
country ; the wild Ass in the mountains of Tartary, 
Siberia, and Persia. Though less beautiful than the 
horse, the Ass, when properly kept, is a handsome 
animal. He is much stronger, in proportion, and 
much more hardy, than his favoured rival. He has 
the additional advantage of being less subject to 
disease, and capable of living upon very humble fare. 
It is only in the article of water that he can be said 
to be dainty ; of that he will drink only the cleanest. 
60. When very young, the Ass is sprightly, but 
he soon loses that quality through ill treatment, and 
becomes slow, stupid, and stubborn. He is some- 
times greatly attached to his owner, whom he scents 
at a distance, and plainly distinguishes from others 
in a crowd. 
61. When overloaded, he shows his sense of his 
Where is the Ass found ? 
Compare the Ass with the horse. 
What effect has ill treatment upon the Ass ? 
