298 HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA. 



but in the same country, and even in the same flock. 

 There are, however, other two species or varieties 

 which are worthy of notice, though even they do not 

 settle, or tend to settle, the question of common origin. 

 The Bison (Bos Americanus) is extremely rare 

 now in California, though supposed to have been com- 

 mon in former times. 



BISON. 



Like its congener the aurochs, the American Bison 

 is of powerful frame, and exceeds in bulk the ordinary 

 race of cattle, its height at the fore-quarters being 

 upwards of six feet, and its weight from twelve to 

 fifteen hundred weight, and sometimes much more. 

 The head is huge, ponderous, and carried low; the 

 withers are massive and elevated ; the eyes are small 



