198 THE DOMESTIC OX. 



OXEN. 



In the large and important group of animals which now occupy our 

 attention, the incisor teeth are entirely absent in the upper jaw, and 

 are eight in number in the lower. There are six molars on each side 

 of each jaw. The two middle toes of each foot are separate, and are 

 furnished with hoofs instead of claws. From the frontal bones proceed 

 two excrescences, which are generally armed with horns, particularly 

 in the male animal. The structure of the stomach and gullet is very 

 remarkable, and is employed in producing that peculiar action which 

 is called " ruminating," or chewing the cud. 



The Domestic Ox of Europe has been so modified in form, habits, 

 and dimensions by its long intercourse with mankind that it has de- 



The Ox (Bos). 



veloped into as many permanent varieties as the dog, the pigeon, or 

 the rabbit, and would in many cases be thought to belong to different 

 species. Among the principal varieties of this animal may be noticed 

 the Long-horned, the Short-horned, and the Polled or hornless breeds, 

 and the Alderuey cow, so celebrated for the quantity and quality of 

 the milk which it daily furnishes. In almost every part of the world 

 are found examples of the Ox, variously modified in order to suit the 

 peculiar circumstances amid which they are placed, but in all instances 

 they are susceptible of domestication, and are employed in the service 

 of mankind. 



There are few animals which are more thoroughly useful to man than 

 the Ox, or whose loss we should feel more deeply in the privation of 

 so many comforts. Putting aside the two obvious benefits of its flesh 



