512 THE ZEBU. 



the native tribes as an emblem of peace, and is analogous to the white bison hide which is dis- 

 played by our Indians for similar purposes. 



The Ox is also employed for draft in Southern Africa, and is used chiefly for the purpose 

 of drawing the wagons over the tracks which are by courtesy called roads. Although the 

 wagons are remarkably light, and are built in such a manner as to take no harm by an occa- 

 sional upset, the ground is so heavy and the wheels sink so deeply, that a very large team 

 of these cattle is required to draw the vehicle safely on its journey. Eight or ten yoke of 

 oxen are frequently employed in drawing a single wagon. The conduct of the native drivers 

 towards these poor beasts is cruel in the extreme, and deserving of the greatest reprobation. 

 The "jambok," or whip, which these men employ is of very great length, and can be used 

 with an effect that is perfectly terrible. Besides this more legitimate instrument, the Hotten- 

 tot driver is in the habit of using various other methods of tormenting the poor beasts, and is 

 absolutely ingenious in the refinements of his cruelty. 



The Family Bbvidce is not largely represented in America. One notable example is the 

 American Bison (Bison americanus), a good figure of which is herein seen. Of this genus, 

 Bison, but two species are known. The European Bison, or Aurochs, is nearly extinct. The 

 Emperor of Russia has preserved a small herd during the last half century in Lithuania ; all 

 others have passed away. Remains of this species are found in alluvial deposits in all parts 

 of Europe. By permission of the Emperor, M. Verreaux, of Paris, the eminent taxidermist, 

 was allowed to procure one specimen for the American Museum of Natural History, in Central 

 Park. This is the only one on this continent. It stands higher than the American Bison, and 

 has less mane. The full-page illustration we give is quite correct. 



The American Bison has for a long period been the ruling power of the plains. Its vast 

 herds have been the wonder of visitors. Though yet seen in considerable numbers in some 

 localities, there is a monstrous sacrifice of the creatures steadily going on ; and some time in 

 the near future they will be reduced to the condition of their allies in Europe. It is to be 

 hoped that long before that happens the great Yellowstone Park may give friendly shelter to 

 a goodly number for perpetual preservation. And this may be said of several other species of 

 our indigenous animals. The beautiful deer, and graceful antelope ; the wild and almost unap- 

 proachable mountain sheep, and mountain goat ; these, too, should find permanent homes 

 in this grand garden of Nature's wonders. What a scene is opened up to the mind's eye 

 in contemplation of such a scheme ! Serious efforts are being made, even now, to this very 

 desirable end. 



The Bison and the North American Indian are so related, it would seem that the decline 

 of one must inevitably be followed by the discomfiture of the other so long as the Indian is 

 in a state of barbarism. 



Audubon says : "In the days of our boyhood and youth, Bison roamed over the small and 

 beautiful prairies of Indiana and Illinois. Herds of them stalked through the woods of Ken- 

 tucky and Tennessee ; but they had dwindled down to a few stragglers, which resorted to the 

 barrens, towards the year 1808, and soon after entirely disappeared. They gradually tended 

 westward, and now for many years none are seen east of the great rivers of the West." 



Though huge and apparently clumsy, the Bison is exceedingly playful and frolicsome, 

 gambolling as we see domestic cattle do. Mr. Audubon relates that a gentleman in Kentucky 

 kept a herd of Bison over thirty years. They were as docile as other cattle ; grazing with his 

 domestic herd in the same field. The tame bull was unwilling to breed with the Bison cow, 

 but the Bison bull produced a cross with the common cow. From the latter several 

 half-breeds were raised, one being a heifer. These animals were larger than either parent 

 when full grown. Audubon states that the Bison was formerly common in North and South 

 Carolina. 



THE domestic cattle of India is commonly known by the name of ZEBU, and is conspicu- 

 ous for the curious fatty hump which projects from the withers. These animals are further 

 remarkable for the heavy dewlap, which falls in thick folds from the throat, and which gives 



