DID YOU KNOW?

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLIII, Issue 20930, 8 January 1938, Page 15

DID YOU KNOW?

ABOUT DONKEYS The ass, despite its reputation for foolishness, is a very interesting animal. It is a relation of the horse, and in both Asia and Africa there are wild asses to-day, varying slightly in size and character. The one found in North India, Baluchistan and Persia, is a pale sandy colour above, the breast, muzzle, and lower parts being white. The mane and tail-turf are dark brown or black. These animals are found wandering during most of the year in more or less desert regions, but in early summer, when the grass and water pools have been dried up by the hot winds, they often migrate to the hills for food and drink.

In Baluchistan the people catch the young wild foals and tame them for use The older asses are often shot for food. The foals are caught by chasing them until they are tired, when they lie down and allow themselves to be caught and carried off. For a day or two they will eat no food, but after a time their hunger overcomes them, and they can then be trained. The adult wild ass is shy and difficult to approach, and" is a very swift runner. Many of the wild ass colts that are caught are sold at high prices to native princes. In the East the ass lias always been an animal of some importance. We find many references to it in the Bible. Mr G. K. Chesterton has given the ass a high place In liteurture by writing his poem about the ass that carried Jesus. He makes the animal say. “Fools! For I also had my hour; One far fierce hour and sweet. There was a shout about my ears And palms before my feet.”