THE OX KIND. 29 



circle ; and again returning, with a bolder and more threatening 

 aspect than before, they approach much nearer, probably within 

 thirty yards, when they make another stand, and again gallop 

 oft*. This they do several times, shortening their distance, till 

 they come within a few yards, when it is generally thought pru- 

 dent to leave them, as, if they were further provoked, they would 

 probably in a few turns more make an attack. 



It was formerly a practice, occasionally to hunt a bull from 

 among this herd ; of which notice being given, the inhabitants 

 of the neighbourhood assembled, sometimes to the number of a 

 hundred horsemen, and four or five hundred foot, all armed with 

 guns and other weapons. But from the number of accidents 

 which happened, this dangerous mode has been little practised 

 of late years, the park-keeper alone generally killing them with 

 a rifle-gun at one shot. 



When the cows of this herd calve, they hide their young in 

 some sequestered place, and go to suckle them two or three 

 times a day. The calves, if any person comes near them, clap 

 their heads close to the ground, and lie like a hare in form. 

 This seems a proof of the wildness of their nature ; of which, 

 the following instance is likewise given: Dr. Fuller, author of 

 the History of Berwick, found a calf hidden by its mother, only 

 two days old, very lean and weak. On his stroking its head, it 

 got up, pawed two or three times like an old bull, bellowed very 

 loud, went back a few steps, and bolted at his legs with all its 

 force ; bit, then began to paw again, bellowed, stepped back, 

 and bolted as before. But being aware of its intentions, he moved 

 aside, it missed its aim, fell, and was so very weak, that, though 

 it made several efforts, it was not able to rise. It, however, had 

 done enough the whole herd was alarmed, and coming to its 

 rescue, obliged him to retire. 



The size of horned cattle, in general, as well as the quantity 

 of milk, butter, and cheese, they produce, depend in a very great 

 degree on the nature of their pasturage. In barren countries, 

 they are always of inferior bulk, and the largest breed will there 

 soon degenerate, and become small. The differences arising 

 from this circumstance are exemplified in many parts, even of 

 this narrow island ; and, throughout the world, are confirmed by 

 universal observation. In the country of the Elut Tartars, where 

 the pastures are remarkably luxuriant, the horned cattle are said 

 to grow to so large a size, that a man must be tall that can reach 

 the top of their shoulders. 



The quantity of milk and butter, afforded by the cow, is in- 

 creased or diminished by a variety of circumstances, although it 

 be affected by none more than the difference of its pasture. 

 Some cows give only six, while others yield ten, fifteen, or even 



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