CHAP. III. COURAGE OP QUADRUPEDS. 75 



(91.) The courage of some quadrupeds, particularly 

 when under the influence of parental affection, is most 

 remarkable : in such circumstances, nothing daunts the 

 mother in the defence of her offspring ; and she will 

 then boldly attack a ferocious animal, which at other 

 times she herself would flee from. Among quadrupeds, 

 this is very conspicuous in the Indian buffaloes, which, 

 as an eye-witness remarks, scent a tiger very quickly, 

 and by their snorting and agitation soon communicate 

 the alarm to the whole herd. A calf will now and 

 then straggle when, of course, he runs a risk of being 

 carried off: if, however, the little one's voice be heard, 

 or the mother suspect any danger, nothing can exceed 

 her uneasiness ; the signal is given to all, and no time 

 is lost in attacking the savage marauder. Even a single 

 buffalo will not hesitate, under such circumstances, to 

 rush at a tiger; whence we may judge of the spirit 

 and impetuosity with which a whole herd proceed to 

 the charge. The herdsmen are so fully satisfied on 

 this point, as to feel no doubt of their own safety, so 

 long as they continue with their cattle. Few accidents, 

 under such circumstances, ever happen : the herdsmen 

 generally remain seated on their buffaloes, driving them 

 to the best grass, and, by their usual calls, keeping all 

 within a proper compass. They usually graze their 

 beasts during the night, often in the midst of gloomy 

 covers, in which tigers abound, yet without apprehend- 

 ing any danger. 



(92.) Quadrupeds, more than any other animals, 

 attach themselves strongly to the human species. The 

 dog is a familiar instance of this ; and forcibly did the 

 indefatigable Dr. Burchell feel the value of this mute 

 but honest friend, when, wandering over the vast plains 

 of Africa, he turned towards his dogs to <f admire their 

 attachment," and, harassed and distressed by the con- 

 duct of his followers, resorted to them as his only 

 friends, and " felt how much inferior to them was man 

 when actuated only by selfish views." Even the poor 

 ass (Equus Asinus) is not only a pattern of meekness and 



