218 s 
MAMMALIA. 
The flesh of the Ass has a disagreeable taste, so that it never 
can become popular as public food ; hut that of their foals, on the 
contrary, is very tender, and differs hut little from veal. 
As a strengthening agent, or as a mild and light article of 
food for invalids, the milk of the Ass has long been considered 
excellent. The Greeks of antiquity made use of it for this pur- 
pose. It contains more lacteous and less caseous matter than 
Cows’ milk ; but it should invariably be taken from a young and 
healthy animal in good condition, which has been fed abundantly 
on wholesome food. 
The Ass is also of considerable service to us after its death. 
Its skin, which is very hard and elastic, is employed for various 
purposes. For instance, in making drums, sieves, excellent shoes, 
parchment for memorandum books, tablets, &c., &c. The skin of 
the Ass is also preferred by collar-makers and saddlers for the 
various pads used in harness. 
The Ass and Mare produce a mixed breed, which participates 
in the shape and characteristics of the two species from which 
they proceed. This cross does not, however, constitute an inter- 
mediate race, as they are unable to reproduce. 
The cross between the Ass and the Mare is called a Mule. 
In its size and neck and shoulders, the Mule inherits the fine 
shape of the Mare. From the Ass it derives the length of its 
ears, its almost naked tail, its sure-footedness, and strong consti- 
tution. Its hair is short, rough, and generally of a brownish black 
colour ; there are, however, many Mules which have grey or 
chestnut coats, with a stripe along the back of dark hair, as well 
as bands of the same shade around the limbs. It is a long-lived 
animal, even occasionally reaching the age of forty-five to fifty 
years. Almost omnivorous in reference to herbage, Mules have 
an advantage that cannot be too highly valued ; moreover, a level 
country or mountainous region equally suits them ; provided 
neither are too damp. Although patient, it will not submit to 
ill-treatment without bearing malice. 
A fine, large, serviceable stock of Mules are to be found in the 
Department of Deux-Sevres ; those that are met with in Spain 
and Italy are often brought from there. The Departments of 
La Yendee and Charente furnish those which are employed in 
the carriage of merchandise over the most difficult passes of the 
