MISCELLANEA. 
59 
the darkened portion of his hutch. He scarcely notices your ap- 
proach, remaining motionless, with the eyes nearly closed. Soon 
afterwards the neck, and apparently the head, swells, followed by 
a discharge of this corroding matter from the nares; and death 
frequently follows within forty -eight hours after the constitutional 
symptoms have manifested themselves, and within a fortnight after 
first contracting the disease. 
An Account of the Ass. 
The ass is, too generally, a neglected and persecuted tribe. His 
good qualities are too much undervalued, from being contrasted 
with those of the horse, without considering the different nature of 
the treatment — the peculiar care and attention bestowed upon 
developing the form and cultivating the spirit of the one, and the 
neglect and ill-usage to which the other is so generally subjected. 
The Abbe de la Pluche says that the ass is not master of 
very shining qualities, but he enjoys such as are more solid. If we 
resort to other animals for distinguished services, this, at least, fur- 
nishes us with such as are exceedingly necessary. 
His voice is not melodious, nor his air majestic, nor his manners 
very lively, hut then a fine voice has little merit with persons of 
good sense. The want of a noble air is compensated by a mild and 
modest countenance. 
He walks with an uniform pace, and, though not remarkably 
swift, he pursues his journey for a long time, and without inter- 
mission. He finishes his work in silence, and evinces no kind of 
ostentation, which is certainly a considerable recommendation. 
His meals require no preparation, for he is contented with the 
first thistle that presents itself. He does not seem to pretend that 
any thing is due to him, but thankfully accepts what is offered; 
and although he may have a relish for the best things, he readily 
contents himself with the most indifferent. If he happens to be 
forgotten, or a little too far from his fodder, he entreats his master, 
in the most pathetic language he can utter, to supply his necessi- 
ties. It is very just that he should live, and he employs his rhe- 
toric with this view. When he has finished his expostulations, 
he patiently waits the arrival of a little corn, or a few withered 
leaves, and the moment he has dispatched his meal he returns to 
his business, and marches on without murmur or reply. His occu- 
pations are necessarily humble, but the judgment that is formed 
both of the ass and his master is often partial. 
Buffon has well observed that the ass is neglected and de- 
spised because we possess a more noble animal in the horse. The 
