The Washburn times. [volume] (Washburn, Wis.) 1896-1976, 1906-01-04
OTHER NATIONS ARE WATCHING

William E. Curtis writes of the
Unique ZeoIoGs1c>I Experiment to
Re Conducted by the Agricultural
Department Fleet Zebra VIII Be
Crossed with the Yankee Horse.
Germany's Similar Test.
Secretary Wilson and the officials Of
the bureau Of animal industry of the
agricultural department, with the CO.
operation of Dr. Frank Baker, super
intendent of the National Geological.
park, are about to engage in the most
curious geological experiment that was
ever undertaken by a government, says
William e. Curtis, the Chicago Record
Herald's Washington correspondent.
The Germans are making preparations
for similar experiment, and the Kon-
go Free State, in Africa, will also at
tempt it. Robert P. Skinner, United
States consul general at MarSeilleS,
who was recently sent to Abyssinia to
make a treaty with that government,
has obtained, through the Ras Makon-
nen at Herar, Africa, a pair of Grevy
zebra stations. They are large, pow
erful and comparatively rare animals,
which range in wild state in the
AbySsinian forests. Mr.. Skinner en-
deavored to secure one while he was
in that country, but there was none
in captivity at that time. Since then
Emperor Menelik has had bis forest
rangers searching for Zebras, and the
first pair that were captured are now
on their way to Mr.. Skinner at Mar
settles, whence they will be shipped to
New York. The department Of state
has been advised of the shipment
By crossing these zebras with the
American horse and the American
mule it is proposed to create an entire
~ new breed of draft animals which,
it is believed, will exceed in speed,
strength and endurance every variety
of the horse or the mule which we
now have in existence. The expert
ments will be conducted at the Wash
ington zoo under the direction of SUI
perintendent Baker and the biologists
of the agricultural department. They
will be watched with the greatest in
all over the world. Secretary Wilson
is advised that the authorities of the
German possessions in South Africa
have been endeavoring to dOmesticate
the zebra and use it for cross breeding
because it is proof against the tsetse
an African fly whose bite will kill
horse or mule, but does not injure a
zebra.
This fly prevails In the German col
onies in Africa, and has caused great
deal Of trouble. 1t is believed that a
half bred zebra will be as much i'm
mune from it's effects as a full bred
animal; hence the experiment is con-
.sidered worth trying. The German au-
thorities recognize also the necessity
can endure the climate of Central At
rica, for neither horses, mules nor oxen
thrive there CarabaOs or water buff
falo from the East Indies endure the
climate much better, but the zebra,
which is q native of that zone, would
be even more useful if it could be do
meSticated.
The inhabitants of the Kongo Free
state and indeed the communities all
along the KOngO river, which is now
being rapidly settled and civilized, feel
q similar need Of work and tranSpOrta-
ton animals, particularly because it is
now almost impossible to obtain negro
bearers to carry the freight from the
rivers into the interior. Until recently
all portage and interior transportation
was done by natives, but, having learn
ed ether methods Of making living,
they are seeking lighter labor, and the
transportation of freight has become
a serious problem. Horses, mules and
oxen do not thrive in that climate any
better than in the German provinces;
hence last spring the government sent
an expedition into the jungles in the
southeastern part Of the state to cap
fure wild Zebras and drive inem I'D to
the capital. A large herd was found,
and 200 or 300 fine animals are now
being broken to harness. It is said
that they prove tractable and are very
intelligent They have greater strength.
better speed and more endurance than
any draft animals that have ever been
used in that climate.