ANIMALS. 549 



feared as in the plains, because in the violence of their pursuit 

 their large horns areaptto be entangled in the branches of the trees, 

 which gives those who have been surprised by them time to escape 

 tlie danger. There is scarcely any other method of avoiding their 

 pursuit ; they run with great swiftness ; they overturn a tree of 

 moderate growth ; and are such swimmers, as to cross the largest 

 rivers without any difficulty. In this manner, like all other 

 large animals of the torrid zone, they are very fond of the water ; 

 and in the midst of their pursuit, often plunge in, in order to 

 cool themselves. The negroes of Guinea, and the Indians of 

 I\Ialabar, where buffaloes are in great abundance, take great de- 

 light in hunting and destroying them : however, they never at- 

 tempt to face the buffalo openly ; but generally climbing up ^he 

 tree, shoot at him from thence, and do not come down till they 

 find they have effectually despatched him. When they are 

 tamed, no animal can be more patient or humble ; and though 

 by no means so docile as the cow kind, yet they go through do- 

 mestic drudgeries with more strength and perseverance. 



Although these animals be chiedy found in the torrid zone, 

 yet they are bred in several parts of Europe, particularly in Italy, 

 where they make the food and the riches of the poor. The female 

 produces but one at a time, in the same manner as the cow ; 

 Dut they are very different in the times of gestation ; for the 

 cow, as we know, goes but nine months ; whereas the buffalo 

 continues pregnant for twelve. They are all afraid of fire ; 

 and, perhaps, in consequence of this, have an aversion to red 

 colours that resemble the colour of flame : it is said that in those 

 countries where they are found in plenty, no person dares to dress 

 in scarlet. In general they are inoffensive animals, if undisturb- 

 ed ; as indeed all those which feed upon grass are found to be ; 

 but when they are wounded, or when even but fired at, then no- 

 thing can stop their fury ; they then turn up the ground with their 

 forefeet, bellow much louder and more terribly than the bull, and 

 make at the object of their resentment with ungovernable rage. 

 It is happy, in such circumstances, if the person they pursue has 

 a wall to escape over, or some such obstacle ; otherwise they 

 soon overtake, and instantly destroy him. It is remarkable, 

 however, that altliough their horns are so formidable, they in 

 general make more use of their feet in combat, and rather tread 

 tiic'.ir enemies to death than gore them. 



