184 STORIES ABOUT HORSES.

them most valuable. The manner in which they
descend the precipitous declivities of the Alps
and the Andes is most extraordinary.

“In many of the roads, or rather tracks,
which lead from these mountains to the plains,
on one side are steep eminences, and on the
other frightful abysses ; and as they generally
follow the direction of the mountain, the road,
instead of lying on a level, forms, at every little
distance, deep declivities, of several hundred
yards downward. ‘These can be descended only
by mules; and these animals seem sensible of
the danger and the caution that is necessary.
When they come to the edge of one of these
precipices, they stop, without being checked by
the rider: and if he madvertently attempts to
spur them on, they continue immovable, appa-
rently ruminating on the danger that hes before
them, and preparing themselves for the en-
counter. They not only attentively view the
road, but when it is very steep and rugged,
tremble and snort at the danger. Having pre-