590 
THE DOMESTIC ASS. 
cated people, the poor creature generally leads a very hard life, and is subjected to much and 
undeserved ill-treatment ; not so much from deliberate cruelty as from want of thought. We 
often see the poor animal laden with a burden that is evidently beyond its powers, and contin- 
ually urged forward by blows. Not long ago, I saw a poor donkey harnessed to a low cart in 
which were seated three full-grown women, one of whom was continually belaboring the animal 
with a thick stick. Presently they stopped, took up a fourth passenger, and again moved on, 
ASS. — Equus asinus. 
in spite of all remonstrances on behalf of the unfortunate creature that was forced to drag so 
heavy a weight. 
This cruel treatment is as impolitic as it is inhuman ; for there are few animals which will 
better repay kindness than the Ass, or will develop better qualities. 
Some years ago a very excellent movement was started by Captain Scott, for the purpose 
of ameliorating the condition of certain unfortunate donkeys which were employed in the con- 
veyance of coal, and were in a most pitiable condition. 
Several persons had attempted to remonstrate with the owners of the poor animals, and 
had only been insulted, without achieving any successful result. Captain S., however, struck 
out another line of conduct, and instead of abusing or persecuting those who treated their 
animals badly, he offered prizes to those who could produce the best and healthiest donkey. 
Several persons joined him in this most laudable undertaking, and they held quarterly meet- 
ings, at which the prizes were bestowed. A medal was also given to each successful com- 
petitor, and the association pledged themselves to employ no donkey -driver who could not 
produce a medal. The natural consequences followed. The public soon took up the idea, 
the medal-holders carried off all the trade, and the cruel and neglectful drivers were either 
forced to conform to the regulations of the society, or to betake themselves and their beasts 
elsewhere. 
