Characters 141 



more nearly related to the latter, which they approach in the structure 

 of their molar teeth and hairy muzzles. The rudimentary condition of 

 the tail, which is shorter than in any ot the sheep, widely separates them 

 from the oxen ; but, on the other hand, their short and wide cannon-bones 

 are similar to those of the latter animals and quite different to the corre- 

 sponding bones ot the sheep and goats. From the study of fossil forms 

 Mr. Rhoads has been led to suggest the existence of a transition between 

 the musk-oxen and the bison, but the structure of the molar teeth and 

 the rudimentary tail seem to negative any near relationship between the 

 two groups. Some years ago Prof A. Milne-Edwards suggested an 

 affinity between the present genus and the Tibetan takin [Biukjicas), and 

 the two genera were subsequently placed in juxtaposition by the late 

 Prof RUtimeyer. The idea of this latter relationship has recently been 

 developed by Dr. Matschie, who regards the two genera as forming a 

 sub-family by themselves, the Ovibovina. As indications of their mutual 

 affinity, he notices the short and broad front cannon-bones, the structure 

 of the skull and form of the horns, the small ears, the hairv muzzle, 

 the short tail, the clumsy main hoofs, and the large size of the lateral 

 pair. 



As regards the horns, the structure of the sheaths is quite different in 

 the two, and I cannot see that such resemblance as exists in their form 

 and curvature is likely to be anything more than superficial. The skull 

 of Budorcas lacks the projecting tubular orbits of the musk-oxen. 

 The form ot the cannon-bones equally affiliates the present genus to 

 the oxen ; and the characters of the ears, tail, and hoofs I cannot regard 

 as of much classificatory value. 



Mr. Blanford has placed Budorcas in the neighbourhood of the serows 

 [Nemor/uediis)^ and at present I fail to see any sufficient reason for departing 

 from this arrangement. This leaves Ovibos without any near existing 

 relatives, and since palaeontology throws no light on the subject, it must 



