224 RUMINANTIA. 



is said of the Durham breed? What other breeds are mentioned? By 

 what means has the breed of cattle been improved? How is the Zebu dis- 

 tinguished ? How extensively does it supply the place of the ox ? What 

 uses are made of it ? How is it regarded by the Hindoos ? What is said 

 of the Egyptian species ? How many species of Bison are there ? Where 

 is the European species now found ? What has probably prevented its en- 

 tire extinction ? In what part of North America is the other species found ? 

 What is the main difference between the European and the American 

 species ? How many ribs has the common ox ? Give the distinctive marks 

 of the Bison? Describe its disposition and habits. What enemies does it 

 most dread ? How do the Indians avail themselves of the habits of this 

 animal ? What is said of the largeness of the herds ? Mention the uses 

 made of the different parts of the Bison. How many Indians does Catlin 

 estimate are daily supported by its flesh ? How does the Asiatic Buffalo 

 differ from the Bison ? How many varieties of this species ? What is said 

 of them ? In what countries is the animal used ? Where is it especially 

 useful? What is said of the Gour? How does it differ from the Buffalo? 

 Give the derivation of the term Poephagus ? How many species of the 

 Yak ? What renders the specific name appropriate ? What use is made of 

 its tail? What of its hair? How many varieties of this animal ? Why is 

 the generic Ovibos applied to the Musk Ox ? What is the composition of 

 that term ? What characteristics are given ? Where is the home of this 

 animal ? What more is said of it ? 



Name the genera and species of the Ox Family found upon the chart, 

 tracing and giving some account of each as you proceed. 



SECTION XXVIII. 



Ovidae. (Lat. ovis, a sheep.) The SHEEP. 



These differ so slightly from the Goat in anatomical struct- 

 ure that both genera are by some naturalists united. 



The chief distinctive characters consist " in the sheep having 

 no beard ; in the horns being directed backwards, and then in- 

 clining spirally more or less forwards ; in having a convex fore- 

 head ; and in the existence of a sac, or fossa, situated at the 

 base of the toes, lined with hair, and furnished with sebaceous 

 follicles." The males also differ from the goat in being inodo- 

 rous. The age of sheep is reckoned from the first shearing. 

 Their value, both for food and clothing, is well known, and is in- 

 calculably great, while they are reared upon soils where other 

 animals could not obtain sufficient for their support. The fila- 

 ments of wool taken from a healthy sheep, present a polished, 

 glittering appearance; those of a sickly, or half-starved animal, 

 exhibit a paler hue. The dressed skin is largely used for the 

 binding of books, and for different kinds of apparel. The bones, 

 when calcined, are employed as tests in refining processes ; from 

 the entrails are prepared strings for musical instruments. Sheep 

 furnish milk which is thicker than that of cows, and yields a 



