THE BRAHMIN BULL. 



621 



The Zebu race has a very wide range of locality, being found in India, China, Mada- 

 gascar, and the eastern coast of Africa. It is believed, however, that its native land is 

 India, and that it must have been imported from thence into the other countries. 



There are various breeds of Zebu, some being about the size of our ordinary cattle, 

 and others varying in dimensions from a large Ox to a small Newfoundland dog. One 

 of the most familiar of these varieties is the well-known Brahmin Bull, so called because 

 it is considered to be sacred to Bramah. 



The more religious among the Hindoos, scrupulously observant of the letter of a law 

 which was intended to be universal in its application, but to which they give only a 

 partial interpretation, indulge this animal in the most absurd manner. They place the 

 sacred mark of Siva on its body, and permit it to wander about at its own sweet will, 

 pampered by every luxury, and never opposed in any wish or caprice which it may form. 



BRAHMIN BULL. 



A Brahmin Bull will walk along the street with a quaintly dignified air, inspect anything 

 and anybody that may excite his curiosity, force every one to make way for himself, and 

 if he should happen to take a fancy to the contents of a fruiterer's or greengrocer's shop, 

 will deliberately make his choice, and satisfy his wishes, none daring to cross him. The 

 indulgence which is extended to this animal is carried to so great a height, that if a 

 Brahmin Bull chooses to lie down in a narrow lane, no one can pass until he gets up of 

 his own accord. 



Bishop Heber, in his well-known journal, mentions the Brahmin Bulls and the 

 unceremonious manner in which they conduct themselves, and remarks that they are 

 sometimes rather mischievous as well as annoying, being apt to use their horns if their 

 caprices be not immediately gratified. 



