THE VAK. 



595 



This creature is found in all the large connected woodlands of India 

 from Cape Comorin to the Himalaya, selecting always as its dwelling 

 the thickest parts of the forest, and deep shady glens. In Bahar and the 

 Western Ghauts, they are especially numerous. The country here is a 

 series of abrupt hills with deeply cleft valleys, covered with an impene- 

 trable growth of underwood, thorns, and tree ferns. Here the Gaur has 

 lived since time immemorial, and has compelled the savage carnivora to 

 leave him the undisputed monarch of the region. Like the Gaval, it is 

 eaten by some tribes, and avoided by others, who regard it as akin to the 

 sacred cow. Its flesh is said to be much more delicate to the palate than 

 that of the domestic ox. 



THE BANTENG. 



The Banteng, Bibos Sondaicus, is a most beautiful species, equalling 

 many of the antelopes in grace, and being distinguished also by its color. 

 It extends over Java, Borneo, and the Eastern part of Sumatra. It loves 

 moist, or well-watered portions of the forests. It lives in small com- 

 panies, consisting of a leader and six or seven cows. The softest and 

 most juicy grasses which cover the slopes and young leaves and twigs 

 constitute its food, but it prefers, above everything, as an article of diet, 

 the tender shoots of the bamboo. 



The timidity of the Banteng renders the chase of it both difficult and 

 dangerous. Although it usually flies, yet when driven to bay, it uses its 

 horns with skill and effect. The cows which are nursing calves are 

 especially to be dreaded, and the Javanese sportsman who ventures to 

 the chase armed only with a forest-knife, runs no slight peril. Adult 

 Bantengs cannot be tamed ; calves, however, become completely domes- 

 ticated, and live in harmony with other cattle. The mild and gentle 

 disposition of the Banteng is in harmony with the beauty of its form. 

 The second or third generation of captives willingly submit to the rule 

 of man, learn to know and love their keeper, and act like our common 

 domestic animal. 



GENUS POEPHAGUS. 



The Yak, Pocphagus griinnicns, (Plate XLVI), is the only species of 

 the genus. The body is stout and powerful, the head large and very 

 broad ; the eye, small and dull ; the ear, small and round ; the horns, 



