

THE YAK. 281 



The Yak is a native of the mountains of Thibet, and, when wild, is said to be savage and dwng.-n.ns. 

 t is, perhaps, the Poephagus described by ^Elian. Its tan 1 was used from an early pe,-i,,,l In 

 Mongols and Tartars, being one of the distinguishing insignia of superior officers. In India "these 

 tails are mounted on ivory or silver handles, and, under the name of chowries, are used to brush away 

 the flies. Elephants of state are taught to carry a splendidly-mounted chowrie in their proboscis, and 

 wave it backwards and forwards. 



This animal may be reclaimed ; a domestic breed is therefore kept by the natives of the range 

 tenanted by the yak in its wild state. Though not large-boned, they seem, from the profuse quantity 

 of hair with which they are provided, to be of great bulk. They have a downcast, heavy look, and 

 appear, what indeed they are, sullen and suspicious, discovering much impatience at the near approach 

 of strangers. They do not low loud, like the cattle in England, any more than those of Hindostan, 

 but make a low, granting noise, scarcely audible, and that but seldom, when under some impression 

 of uneasiness. 



These cattle are pastured in the coldest parts of Thibet, on the short herbage peculiar to the 

 mountains and bleak plains. The chain of mountains which divides Thibet from Bootan, and whose 

 summits are mostly covered with snow, is their favourite haunt. In this vicinity the southern glens 

 afford them food and shelter during the severity of winter ; in milder seasons th northern aspect 

 is more congenial to their nature, and admits a wider range. 



They form a very valuable property to the tribes of itinerant Tartars, called Duckba, who live in 

 tents, and tend them from place to place ; at the same time they afford their herdsmen an easy mode 

 of conveyance, a good covering, and wholesome subsistence. Never employed in agriculture, they are 

 extremely useful as beasts of burden, for they are strong, sure-footed, and carry a great weight. Tents 

 and ropes are made of their hair, and caps and jackets of their skins for the humbler herdsmen. The 

 care of their keepers is rewarded for selecting them good pastures, in the abundance of rich milk 

 which they give, and in the very excellent butter it yields. It is their custom to preserve this in 

 skins or bladders, and the air being thus excluded, it will keep in this cold climate throughout the 

 year. Thus, after some time tending their herds, when a sufficient store is accumulated, it remains 

 only to load their cattle, and drive them to a proper market with their own produce, which constitutes 

 a most material article of commerce to the utmost verge of Tartar v. 



THE EUROPEAN BISON.* 



GREAT difficulty has arisen in identifying this animal, from the fact that there existed at one time in 

 Europe and in Great Britain a wild bull t whose remains are numerous, but which has undoubtedly 

 become quite extinct. The European Bison, as found at the present day, has a very broad head a.id 

 arched forehead ; the eyes are large and dark ; the hair on the forehead is long and wavy ; and 

 under the chin and breast it forms a kind of beard. In the winter the whole of the neck, hump, and 

 shoulders are covered with a long, dusky-brown hair, intermingled with a soft fur. The long hair is 

 cast in the summer and renewed in the winter. The tail is of moderate length, covered with hair, 

 and is terminated with a long tuft. The females are not so large as the males, and have not so much 

 hair on their bodies. 



This animal now appears to be confined to the forests of Lithuania, Moldavia, Wallachia, and 

 some parts of the Caucasus. The bison has never been domesticated, but herds of these animal ha\e 

 been protected in certain localities in the forest of Bialowieza, in Lithuania, under the direction of the 

 Emperor of Russia. The estimated number of all the herds is 800. They feed on grass and brush- 

 wood, and the bark of young trees, especially the willow, poplar, ash, and birch. They do not attain 

 their full stature till their sixth year. They are very shy, and can only be approached from the 

 leeward, as their smell is exceedingly acute. When accidentally fallen in with they become furious, and 



nately assail the intruder. When taken young they become accustomed to their keeper, but 

 their anger is excited by the approach of other persons. 



* Bos Bim. Linnicus. Bison Bonassus. Dr. .1. E. Gray. Bos Urua. BoJiUert. Bos Bison Aurochs. Lfsson. Bi-o.i 

 Kuropseus. Owen. 



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 VOL. II. 



