By Anna Selby

When the author Robert Louis Stevenson decided to walk through the wild and desolate Cevennes in southern France with only a donkey for company, arguing that it would be more sure-footed and less flighty than a horse, his adventure was regarded as somewhat eccentric. Not only by his friends at home but also by the villagers of Le Monastier, who issued dire warnings about wolves and robbers.

Nonetheless, they were more than happy to sell him a donkey.

Beasts of burden lighten the load, continued