Animal life in the sea and on the land . alued for their powers of endurance. 10. Small Horses in Cold Countries.—In cold and stormyregions the horses are apt to be small and shaggy, as is thecase with the ponies of the Shetland Islands. These po-nies are exposed to bitter cold in their native island home,and they need all the protection which is afforded by theirthick, shaggy coats. 11. Wild Horses go in Troops.—Horses in a wild condi-tion are in the habit of congregating in large troops, whichare led by one male. Fierce conflicts occur between themales to secure this leadership, and the unsu
Animal life in the sea and on the land . alued for their powers of endurance. 10. Small Horses in Cold Countries.—In cold and stormyregions the horses are apt to be small and shaggy, as is thecase with the ponies of the Shetland Islands. These po-nies are exposed to bitter cold in their native island home,and they need all the protection which is afforded by theirthick, shaggy coats. 11. Wild Horses go in Troops.—Horses in a wild condi-tion are in the habit of congregating in large troops, whichare led by one male. Fierce conflicts occur between themales to secure this leadership, and the unsuccessful onesare sometimes driven off from the flock into a solitary fight by throwing the fore-feet with great forceupon their enemies, or by kicking violently with the hind-feet. 12. The Zebra.—Closely related to the horse is the zebra,which is conspicuous for its slender limbs and beautifullystriped silky hair. It is altogether one of the most ele-gant animals, but its disposition is vicious, and it is not HOKSES. 357. Fig. 245.—Zebras. easily tamed. Zebras are natives of the southern part ofAfrica, where they graze in large herds upon the grassyplains. 358 ANIMAL LIFE IN THE SEA AND ON THE LAND. LILDEER. SUB-KINGDOM, VERTEBRATA: CLASS, MAMMALIA. 1. The Deer. — The beautiful deer, with their slenderlimbs and small heads proudly erect, are general favor-ites, but to appreciate them fully they should be seen intheir natural wild state. The forests of most countries,except Australia, are adorned with their elegant figures,and as they are timid animals they have a tendency tolive together in flocks. They run rapidly, and are ex-ceedingly graceful in all their movements. 2. Antlers unlike the Horns of other Animals.—Perhapsthe most distinguishing feature of the deer family is theirlarge horns, or antlers, as they are called, which are pos-sessed by the males only, and are quite different from or-dinary horns. The antlers are solid, and are branching inform.
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Keywords: ., bookcentury1800, bookdecade1880, booksubjectzoology, bookyear1887
