THE ASS. 99

our horses, would, on gaining ground upon then, stand still
and look round, and when their pursuers got nearly up to
them, they would start off and repeat the same trick.” The
flesh of the wild ass taken in the chase was found to be like
that of the red deer, but more tender.” In Persia the wild
ass was prized above all other animals as an object of chase,
not only from its fleetness, but from the delicacy of its flesh,
which made it a luxury even at the royal table. Many
texts might be cited to prove the opinion held by the an-
cients with regard to its strength and spirit. ‘A wild ass,
used to the wilderness, that snuffeth up the wind at her
pleasure, in her occasion who can turn her away >” Jere-
miah ii.; and again in ch. xiv., “And the wild asses did
stand in the high places, they snuffed up the wind like
dragons.”

In warm climates, the ass, though not very fleet, is often
chosen for long journeys, as being less easily tired out, and
needing less refreshment than the horse ; but in the colder
climates of the north it is in general use only for inferior
purposes, and being hardy, healthy, and temperate in its
food, is often a most valuable assistant to the poor, who
would be amply rewarded for increased care and kindness
by a corresponding increase in spirit and docility. Still the