134 Quadrupeds. 



VIII. Ruminating Animals. 



THE BULL. (Bos Taurus.) 



THERE are, perhaps, no animals more generally useful to 

 mankind than the race of oxen, in all their states of 

 existence. They are called ruminating animals ; that is, 

 after they have eaten their food they possess the power 

 of returning it from the first stomach into the mouth, to 

 be again masticated before it is finally digested. This 

 is called chewing the cud; and as the animal generally 

 lies down, and looks very thoughtful while the operation 

 is performing, it is said to be ruminating. 



The Bull is a very fierce creature, and when enraged, 

 runs about, tossing up his tail, and roaring most fear- 

 fully. When attacked by men or dogs, he tears up the 

 ground with his feet, and then gal lops after his assailants, 

 endeavouring to toss them with his horns; and very 

 often pursues in this manner any one he sees, parti- 

 cularly if they appear frightened. When in danger of 

 being attacked by a Bull, the best course is to stand 

 still, and open an umbrella, or flap a shawl, or something 

 of that kind, in the Bull's face ; as with all his fierceness 

 he is a great coward, and only pursues those who fly 

 from him. 



The Ox, or Bullock, is used in some parts of the 



