[ i8 ] 



take notice of, mull inevitably expofc himfelf to the 

 fneer of ignorance j but that is of Httle confequence, 

 if it ftiall chance to throw a finglc ray of light upoit 

 a fubjeft that has been hitherto involved in darknefs. 



That there are nearly an equal diverfity of breeds 

 of cattle as of flieep, fcarcely admits of a doubt, of 

 which the following hCis are proofs. 



ijl. The fliort fmooth-haired breeds. Of thefc, 

 the fliorteft I have feen, is a bull of the Zebu kind, 

 that was lately exhibited in Edinburgh as a fliow. 

 His hair did not exceed half an inch in length, and 

 was very clofe, firm, and elaflick. There are many 

 breeds of cattle in Britain, the Holder nefle in parti- 

 cular, the hair of which is fliort and very fmooth. 



2dly, The long foft wavy-haired breeds. Of thefc, 

 the Lancafliire cattle are a good example; and many 

 of the Highland breeds, forae of which have manes 

 like horfes. 



2,dly. The long foft wool-like bearing breed, of 

 frhich the buifaloe, or rather bifon, of Louifiana is 

 the chief. The hair of this animal is faid to refem- 

 ble clothing wool, in length, in thicknefs, and in 

 clofenefs; a fmall fpecimen of this wool is inclofed, 

 which I received from Sir Jofeph Banks, bart. But 

 as the creature has never yet been domefl;icated, or 

 fubjefted to particular obfervation, by men whofe 

 judgment could be relied upon, our notions of it are 

 but very imperfe£l. I do not hear that there are any 

 long hairs upon this breed of cattle. 



4(h!y. The 



