OX, OR COW KIND. 117 



attended to among our ancestors, the Britons : but, by perse- 

 vering efforts, during a long succession of ages, the breed 

 is now brought to the highest perfection in this island ; and, 

 except in the fineness of their fleeces, in which we are ex- 

 celled by the Spanish sheep, in consequence of their milder 

 climate and more suitable pasturage, no country is more 

 famous for this valuable race of animals than our * own. 

 We have, indeed, several varieties, one distinguished by 

 its size, another by the fineness of its wool, and a third for 

 the delicacy of its flesh. Not only the grand divisions of 

 this island but almost every country, has a peculiar variety ; 

 the judicious intermixture of which is at once beneficial 

 to the breeder and the public. 



THE OX, OR COW KIND. 



The characteristics of this genus are, eight cutting teeth 

 in the lower jaw, and nine in the upper ; the skin along 

 the lower side of the neck pendulous, and the horns 

 bending out laterally. 



Of the various domestic animals, the cow may be said 

 to be most universally conducive to the comforts of man- 

 kind. The horse generally falls to the lot of the rich ; 

 sheep are kept in flocks, and require attendance : but the 

 cow is more peculiarly the poor man's blessing, and fur- 

 nishes the principal means of his support. The most for- 

 tunate among our peasantry have no other possession than 

 an individual of this useful race ; although, even of it, not 

 a few are little more than nominal owners. They may, in- 

 deed, come in for the refuse of the milk ; but the butter 

 and cheese are prepared for other tables, and to the flesh 

 they claim no pretensions. 



In countries, however, where simplicity of manners pre- 

 vails, and where luxury and avarice have not blunted the 

 nicer feelings, the cow is of more general advantage ; 



* The merino or Spanish breed is now pretty well naturalised in this 

 country ; and while its flesh is improved, its fleece does not appear to 

 be materially deteriorated. 



