i 7 6 UNGULATES. 



back, where it ends in an abrupt drop, which may be as much as 5 inches in 

 height. This ridge is caused by the great height of the spines of the vertebrae of 

 the fore-part of the trunk as compared with those of the loins ; but it is a character 

 much less developed in the banting than in either of the other two species. The 

 three species have also a characteristic coloration, the adult males being dark 

 brown or nearly black, the females and young males being either paler or 

 reddish brown, while in both sexes the legs from above the knees and hocks to 



BULL GAUR ( z \ Udt. size). 



the hoofs are white or whitish. The hair is short, fine, and glossy, and the hoofs 

 are narrow and pointed. 



The gaur is a strong and massively-built species, easily recognised by the high 

 convex ridge on the forehead between the horns, which bends forwards, and thus 

 causes a deep hollow in the profile of the upper part of the head. The ridge on 

 the back is very strongly marked, and there is no distinct dewlap on the throat 

 and chest. The flattening of the horns at the base is very decided, and the horns 

 are regularly curved throughout their length, and are bent inwards and slightly 

 backwards at their tips. The ears are very large, the tail only just reaches the 

 hocks, and in old bulls the hair becomes very thin on the back. 



In colour the adult male gaur is dark brown, approaching black in very old 



