The Zebra. 133 
in having clean straw and dried leaves to sleep upon. 
His voice can hardly be described ; it is thought by 
some persons to have a distinct resemblance to the sound 
of a post-horn, and is more frequently exerted when the 
animal is alone than at other times. In former times. 
Zebras were often sent as presents to the oriental princes. 
A governor of Batavia is said to have given one to the 
emperor of Japan, for which he received as an equivalent 
a present to the value of sixty thousand crowns ; and 
Teller informs us, that the Great Mogul gave two thou- 
sand ducats for one of these animals. It is usual with 
the African ambassadors to the court of Constantinople 
to bring Zebras with them as presents for the Grand 
Seignior. In a wild state they live in herds, and can 
only be tamed when taken young, or bred in captivity. 
Another kind of Zebra (Equus Burchellii) inhabits the 
plains of Southern Africa ; it is known as the Zebra of 
the plains, and is also called Burch ell's Zebra, after 
the distinguished African traveller. This Zebra is less 
beautifully marked than the mountain species. 
Instinct having taught these beautiful animals that in 
union consists their strength, they combine in a compact 
body when menaced by an attack either from man or 
beast; and if overtaken by the foe, they unite for 
mutual defence, with their heads together in a close 
circular band, presenting their heels to the enemy, and 
dealing out kicks in equal force and abundance. Beset 
on all sides, or partially crippled, they rear on their 
hinder legs, fly at their adversary with jaws distended, 
and use both teeth and heels with the greatest freedom. 
The Quagga is also a native of Southern Africa. It is 
more wild than the Zebra, and less beautifully marked ; 
the stripes, indeed, do not extend over the whole body, 
but only over the head and neck. The colour is a reddish 
brown above and white beneath. The Quagga is less 
than the Zebra, and not so elegantly formed, the hind 
quarters being higher than the shoulders. The ears are 
also much shorter. The Quagga bears the reputation of 
being naturally vicious, and so treacherous that it is 
said that, like a cat, it will bite the hand that feeds and 
caresses it. 
