242 



A COURSE ON ZOOLOGY. 



FIG. 178. 



to the front. While variations in the species are pro- 

 duced by varying conditions of climate and surroundings, 

 many of the characteristics have been intentionally de- 

 veloped by selected breeding. Thus, the short-horns or 

 Durhams are entirely the result of man's industry. 



Eelated to domestic cattle are the Cape and Indian 

 buffaloes, inhabitants of Africa and Asia, and the bison, 

 once roaming in vast herds over the prairies of the 

 United States, but now with rare exceptions seen only 

 in parks and zoological gardens. 

 The sheep is found wild only 

 in certain localities, these being 

 the lofty mountains of Central 

 Asia and Mongolia, and the 

 Eocky Mountains of the United 

 States. The domestication of 

 the sheep dates back to pre- 

 historic eras, the first peoples 

 of whom we have any history 



being pastoral races, who wan- 

 , * 



dered from pasture to pasture, 

 following their sheep. The sheep has perhaps been more 

 modified by man's influence than any other animal. 



FIG. 179. 



HEAD OF THE ASIATIC BUFFALO 

 (Bubalus buffelus). 



AMERICAN BISON. 



