The morning call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1878-1895, 1893-04-02
DOMESTICATING THE ZEBRA.
What May Be Done With an Orna-
mental Beast OF the Circus.

The prevalent notion about the zebra is
that it is 81 untamable as to be Of no prac-
teal use to man. Experiments show that
this is an erroneous notion. In a number
of instances it has been reduced to docility
in Europe, but no attempt has been made
to impress it into tile serYceable bondage
with which we are familiar in the horse.
That complete tractabilily for the purpose
OF labor is not impossible. and is, indeed,
hopeful, is being shown in the Transvaal,
where firm engaged in the coaching bust
ness between Pretoria and Fort Tul In
MashonRland, have actually eight zebras in
harness and four of them regularly en-
pIoyed in drawing a coach. These animals
were captured by the lasso, and in few
months four had been so trained that they
were perfectly quiet and willing in harness.
while the others are becoming habitUated
to restraint and will in time be fully under
control.
Ii. Stephens, who gives an account Of the
experiment in the Field, says Messrs.
Seedesberg are thus far satisfied. and will
endeavOr TO substitute ZeJras for mules in
dragging their coaches. These very grace
full striped quadrupeds are no doubt tieeteT
of foot than the mule, and perhaps as swift
as the horse, but there is an important
superiority over both that they possess.
They enjoy absolute immunity from that
called horse sickness, which in a single
night in low country kills horse or mule
turned out on the veldt The loss from this
cause is heavy item in the expenses of
South African Lively stable Il is found
that the zebra does not kick. and is gently
ameDable TO The rein by having q soft mouth.
A tendency to bite is the one vice they have,
but this they cease TO practice when NOS
afraid of being hurt.
1t is the intention OF the firm to attempt
crOss-breedng with horses. The result
will be awaited with considerable interest
A new hybrid of hopeful stamina and quail
ties for harness or the saddle NAV conf
IDENTIFY be expected, and perhaps The sOmber
uncouthness of the cross between the horse
and ass will be overcome and replaced by
graces of form and charms of color Ii
seems strange that it should be left until
to-day to essay the dOmesticaton of the
zebra. The horse and ass have so long
been pressed into service that the original
habitat Of beth is disputed. Thay either
come from Asia or Africa. But the fossil
horse Is also found in America, and some Of
the types go so far back in geological time
as to suggest that the horse had its origin on
the American Continent. But when Co.
lumbus landed the horse was unknown, and
all the troops of wild cOursers have de-
scended from dOmestcated breeds which
have escaped from control. South Africa
produces not only the zebra, but the QGagga
ana the dauw, congeners which might also
prove OF use in crossing Both have been
domestcated, but the experiment has not
been carried to practical utility. The OBJ
portunity to introduce tine quagga as a hy-
Bird or pure bred has almost been lost, as
the animal is either extinct or very scarce
The dauw is adapted to life on the plains.
and still rOams In great herds north of the
Orange River.