28 THE OX KIND. 



Of the different animals of this class, we shall, in the first 

 place, describe 



THE OX KIND. 



Among the various quadrupeds with which the earth abounds, 

 as none is more necessary to the existence of the human species 

 than the Cow, so, likewise, none appears to be more extensively 

 propagated ; for it is found to exist from the polar circles to the 

 equator, although it appears liable to greater changes from the 

 difference of pasture and climate than most other animals ; and 

 in no other can there be found a greater variety of kinds, arising 

 from the diversity of these circumstances. In every part of the 

 world the cow is found large or small, in proportion to the quan- 

 tity and quality of its food. Our English pastures seem admi- 

 rably suited to the nature of this quadruped ; and there is no 

 part of Europe where it grows to a larger size, affords a greater 

 quantity of milk, or fattens in less time. The age of the cow 

 is discoverable by its horns. At the age of four years, a ring 

 is formed towards the root, and every succeeding year adds an- 

 other. Thus its age may be exactly known, until it grows very 

 old, when the rings grow closer together, and appear less distinct. 



In Scotland there are two sorts of cows, different from each 

 other, and iiom those of the southern parts of the island. Those 

 of the county of Galloway are without horns, and generally of 

 a brown colour, but often mixed with black, and sometimes en- 

 tirely black. Large droves of these are brought into the south- 

 ern parts of the kingdom, where they soon fatten. 



The cattle of the Highlands are very small, and mostly black, 

 with fine white sharp horns, and hair thick like fur. Large droves 

 of these are likewise brought into England. They are greatly 

 esteemed for the excellence of their beef, as well as for the fa- 

 cility with which they fatten. 



Iii Lord Tankerville's park, at Cjhillingham, near Berwick- 

 upon-Tweed, there is yet left a breed of wild cattle, probably 

 the only remains of the true breed of that species, at present to 

 be found in this kingdom. Their colour is invariably white, with 

 the muzzle black, and the whole inside of the ear, and about 

 one-third part of the outside, from the hip downwards, red. Their 

 horns are white, with black tips, and bent downwards. 



At the first appearance of any person near them, they set off 

 in full gallop, and at the distance of two or three hundred yards, 

 wheel round, and come boldly up again, tossing their heads in a 

 menacing manner. On a sudden they make a full stop, at the 

 distance of forty or fifty yards, and look wildly at the object of 

 their surprise ; but on the least motion, they all gallop off again 

 with equal speed, but not to the same distance, forming a smaller 



