The donkeys were all good, all handsome, all strong and in good condition, all fast and all willing to prove it.

They were the best we had found any where, and the most 'recherche'.

I do not know what 'recherche' is, but that is what these donkeys were, anyhow.

Some were of a soft mouse-color, and the others were white, black, and vari-colored.

Some were close-shaven, all over, except that a tuft like a paint-brush was left on the end of the tail.