THE AMERICAN BISON. 



39 



the beginning of August, after which the cows separate 

 from the bulls in distinct herds. They bring forth their 

 young in April : from which it appears that the term of 

 gestation is about nine months. 



The pair of American Bisons in the Zoological 

 Gardens produced a calf in 1849 ; from the observations 

 made in that instance, the period of gestation was cal- 

 culated at 270 days. 



The most important anatomical difference between the 

 American and the European is, that the American has 

 fifteen pairs of ribs, whereas the European has but 

 fourteen. 



The following are the dimensions of a large specimen: 



Ft. In. 



From the nose to the insertion of the tail . .86 

 Height at the shoulder ..... 6 



at the croup 50 



Length of the head 21 



Their weights vary from 1200 to 2000 pounds. 



Head of young male Bison. 



