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THE ZEBU. 



the purpose of drawing the wagons over the tracks which are by courtesy called roads. 

 Although the wagons are remarkably light, and are built in such a manner as to take 

 no harm by an occasional upset, the ground is so heavy, and the wheels sink so 

 deeply, that a very large team of these cattle is required to draw the vehicle safely on 

 its journey. Eight or ten yoke of oxen are frequently employed in drawing a single 

 wagon. The conduct of the native drivers towards these poor beasts is cruel in the 

 extreme, and deserving of the greatest reprobation. The " jambok," or whip, which 

 these men employ is of very great length and can be used with an effect that is per- 

 fectly terrible. Besides this more legitimate instrument, the Hottentot driver is in the 

 habit of using various other methods of tormenting the poor beasts, and is absolutely 

 ingenious in the refinements of his cruelty. 



THE domestic cattle of India is commonly known by the name of Zebu, and is 

 conspicuous for the curious fatty hump which projects from the withers. These ani- 

 mals are further remarkable for the heavy dewlap which falls in thick folds from the 



ZEBU. Eos I' adieus. 



throat, and which gives to the fore part of the animal a very characteristic aspect. The 

 limbs are slender, and the back, after rising towards the haunches, falls suddenly at 

 the tail. 



The Zebu is a quiet and intelligent animal, and is capable of being trained in vari- 

 ous modes for the service of mankind. It is a good draught animal, and is harnessed 

 either to carriages or ploughs, which it can draw with great steadiness, though with 

 but little speed. Sometimes it is used for riding, and is possessed of considerable en- 

 durance, being capable of carrying a rider for fifteen hours in a day, at an average rate of 

 five or six miles per hour. The Nagore breed is specially celebrated for its capabilities 

 as a steed, and is remarkable for its peculiarly excellent action. These animals are 

 very active, and have been known to leap over a fence which was higher than our five- 

 barred gates, merely for the purpose of drinking at a certain well, and, having slaked their 

 thirst, to leap back again into their own pasture. As a beast of burden, the Zebu is in great 

 request, for it can carry a heavy load for a very great distance, though at no great speed, 



