42 THE OX TRIBE. 



or stream. The estimated number of the twelve herds 

 is about 800. 



They feed on grass and brushwood ; also on the leaves 

 and bark of young trees, particularly the willow, poplar, 

 ash, and birch. In autumn they likewise browse on 

 heath, and the lichens which cover the bark of trees. In 

 winter, when the ground is covered with snow, fodder is 

 provided for them. 



Their cry is quite peculiar, resembling a groan, or a 

 grunt, more than the lowing of an ox. 



They do not attain their full stature until after the 

 sixth year, and live till between thirty and forty. 



"The strength of the Zubr," says Dr. "Weissenborn, 

 " is enormous ; and trees of five or six inches diameter 

 cannot withstand the thrusts of old bulls. It is neither 

 afraid of wolf nor bear, and assails its enemies both with 

 its horns and hoofs. An old Zubr is a match for four 

 wolves; packs of the latter animal, however, sometimes 

 hunt down even old bulls when alone ; but a herd of 

 Zubrs has nothing to fear from any rapacious animal. 



" Notwithstanding the great bulk of its body, the Zubr 

 can run very swiftly. In galloping, its hoofs are raised 

 above its head, which it carries very low. The animal 

 has, however, but little bottom, and seldom runs farther 

 than one or two English miles. It swims well, and is 

 very fond of bathing. 



"The zubr is generally exceedingly shy, and avoids 

 the approach of man. They can only be approached 

 from the leeward, as their smell is extremely acute. But 

 when accidentally and suddenly fallen in with, they will 

 passionately assail the intruder. In such fits of passion 

 the animal thrusts out its tongue repeatedly, lashes its 



