Is the most patient of all quadrupeds, and, although thought by many
to be the most stubborn, he is not really so, but is both active and
willing if well treated. Donkeys are generally badly used by their
masters, and you cannot go far without seeing one with his skin
bruised by hard blows. Poor beasts! I hope you pity them when you see
them looking half-starved, with no flesh on their aching bones,
dragging with slow and weary steps some heavy load of sand or wood.
The milk of Asses is greatly esteemed for the use of invalids: in some
diseases it forms the only nourishment that can be safely given. The
foal of the Ass is a pretty, lively little fellow, and jumps about,
very unlike his quiet mother.