ZEBIIA. 
355 
hitherto instituted against it, were rather against 
its life than its liberty ; the animal has thus been long 
taught to consider man as its most mortal enemy ; 
and it is not to be wondered that it refuses to yield 
obedience where it has so seldom experienced 
mercy. 
It is very likely., therefore., as a more civilized 
people are now placed at the cape of Good Hope* 
which is the chief place where this animal is found* 
that we may have them tamed and rendered ser- 
viceable. Nor is this extraordinary beauty the 
only motive we have for wishing this animal among 
the number of our dependents : its swiftness is 
said to surpass that of all others ; so that the speed 
of a zebra is become a proverb among the Spa- 
niards and Portuguese. It stands better upon its 
legs also than the horse ; and is consequently 
stronger in proportion. Thus* if by proper care* 
we improved the breed* as we have in other in- 
stances* we should probably* in time to come* have 
a race as large as the horse* as fleet* as strong* and 
much more beautiful. 
A beautiful male zebra* at Exeter Change* Lon- 
don* appeared to have entirely lost his native wild- 
ness* and was so gentle as to suffer a child of six 
years old to sit quietly on his back* without ex- 
hibiting the least signs of displeasure. He was 
familiar even with strangers* and received those 
kind of caresses that are usually given to the horse* 
with evident satisfaction. 
This animal* which is neither to be found in 
Europe* Asia* or America* is nevertheless very easily 
fed. One which came over into England some years 
ago* would eat almost any thing, such as bread* 
meat* and tobacco ; another subsisted entirely upon 
bay. As it so nearly resembles the horse and the 
ass in structure, so it probably brings forth an- 
nually as they do, The noise they make is neither 
