368 THE EVEN-TOED UNGULATES 



developed on the shoulders. The European Bison, or Auroch, is 

 on the verge of extinction, while of the vast herds of the American 

 Bison, or Buffalo, as it is popularly called, that roamed the great 

 plains, only a few small herds, jealously guarded in parks and 

 reservations, remain. 



< The Yak differs from the bisons mostly in the distribution of 

 its long hair, which, instead of being situated on its hump and neck, 

 forms a lengthy fringe along the shoulders, flanks and thighs, 

 and completely invests the tail. It is a native of the high ground 

 of Tibet, where it is strictly preserved by the native Government. 

 In colour it is black, except for some spots upon the face, which 

 are grey or white. Captain Kinloch, writing of the animal, states 

 that " the Yak inhabits the wildest and most desolate mountains ; 

 it delights in extreme cold ; and is found, as a rule, at a greater 

 elevation than any other animal. Although so large a beast, it 

 thrives upon the coarsest pasturage, and its usual food consists 

 of a rough, wiry grass, which grows in all the higher valleys of 

 Tibet up to an elevation of nearly 20,000 feet." 



The Buffaloes have the horns flattened and triangular in section, 

 inclined outwards and backwards, turning up at the tips. The 

 Common Buffalo is found in Southern Europe, North Africa, and 

 the Indian region. The huge Indian variety, with most lengthy 

 horns, is also known as the Arnee. Its horns are elongated and 

 narrow, sometimes reaching six feet and a half in length. It lives 

 in small herds, and the bulls are very fierce. The Cape Buffalo 

 has shorter horns, expanded at the base. It is found all over 

 Central and South Africa, and is a most formidable and courageous 

 animal. 



