218 RUMINANTIA. 



horse and improved agricultural implements taking its place ; it 

 reaches its full vigor in three years, and its term of life is about 

 fourteen. The breeds of the animal are numerous, and gener- 

 ally distinguished by the length or shape of the horns. The 

 " Durham," or short-horned breed, is "perhaps most valuable for 

 the dairy, as well as for a tendency to fatten rapidly, and at an 

 early age." The "long-horned," the " middle : horned," and the 

 " polled," or hornless breeds, have each their particular values. 

 The "Alderney Cow," with "crumpled horn," has long been 

 celebrated for the richness of its milk. Within the last half 

 century, many and successful efforts have been made to improve 

 the breed of cattle both in England and in this country.* Con- 

 siderable benefit has resulted from the labors of Agricultural 

 Societies, and, in particular, from the stimulus which, by the 

 offer of premiums, they have given to the raising of cattle for 

 exhibition at the annual COUNTY and STATE FAIRS. The uses 

 of the Ox are well known, and we need not describe them ; every 

 part of the animal is of value. Formerly, the cruel sport of bull- 

 baiting was much practiced ; and in some countries, particularly 

 Spain, it is still a popular diversion. 



Bos Indicus. The ZEBU, or BRAHMIN BULL, of India. (See 

 Chart.) 



This is distinguished for a more lengthened form of the head, 

 with a decidedly concave line of profile ; an arched neck ; a 

 lump of fatty substance rising from the withers ; an arched back, 

 sinking and rounded qfF on the hinder part ; an enormous dew- 

 lap dangling down in folds ; long, pendulous ears ; a mild 

 and sleepy eye ; and long and tapering limbs. The size varies 

 from that of a large mastiff to that of a full grown buffalo. Over 

 the whole of Southern Asia, the islands of the Indian Archipela- 

 go, and the eastern coast of Africa, the Zebu supplies the place 

 of the Ox. In some places, it is saddled and ridden, or harnessed 

 in a carriage ; traveling from twenty to thirty miles in a day. 

 Its beef is inferior to that of the Ox. The hump is deemed the 

 most delicate part. This sometimes becomes greatly increased 

 in size, and has even been known to reach " the enormous weight 

 of 50 Ibs." Among the Hindoos, the Zebu has a "charmed 

 life." They venerate this animal, and hold its slaughter to be 

 a sin ; though they do not object to work it. In the streets of 

 Calcutta, "some particularly sanctified" Zebus may be seen 

 wandering at their ease in the public streets, and taking their 

 food where they list. The utmost a native does when he sees 

 them honoring his goods too much, is to "urge them by the 



* See "American Herd Book," and other Agricultural works.. 



