[Illustration: DOMESTIC DONKEY.]
The Ass, or Donkey, like the Horse, is the servant and helper of Man,
but its domestication is of much less ancient date. The wild type of
this animal (known under the names of Kiang, Koulan, Onager, or
Dziggetai) is still a native of many of the Asiatic deserts.
They live together in innumerable droves and travel under the guidance
of a leader, whom they obey with intelligent submission. If they chance
to be attacked by Wolves, they range themselves in a circle, placing the
weaker and younger members in the centre, when they defend themselves so
courageously with their fore-feet and teeth that they almost invariably
come off victorious.
The domestic Donkey carries the heaviest burden in proportion to its
size of all beasts of burden. It costs little or nothing to keep, and
requires very little care. It is especially valuable in rugged
mountainous countries, where its sureness of foot enables it to go where
Horses could not fail to meet with accidents.
In energy, nervous power, and in temperament, the Donkey even surpasses
the Horse; and it has a greater capacity to endure fatigue.