^ CASSELL'S POPULAR NATURAL HISTORY. 



they form large herds for the time. The wild buffalo is fully one-third larger than the largest tame 

 bivccls, measuring ten and a half feet from snout to vent, and six, or six and a half feet high at the 

 shoulders, and is of such power and vigour as by his charge frequently to prostrate a well-sized 

 elephant. It is remarkable for the uniform shortness of the tail, which does not extend lower than 

 the hock ; for the tufts, which cover the forehead and knees ; and, lastly, for the great size of its horns. 

 They are uniformly in liigh condition, so unlike the leanness and angularity of the domestic buffalo, 

 even at its best." 



THE CAPE BUFFALO* 



THIS ferocious animal is a native of South Africa, associating generally in troops, and frequenting the 

 watered glens and ravines among the hills. Like the common buffalo, it is fond of wallowing in 



" : - :1 ._.' ! 



A JAGUAR ATTACKING A I'.t'FFAl.o. 



pools or swamps, where it sometimes passes the greater part of the day. Its temper is depicted in its 

 lowering eye, and the malevolent expression of the countenance, to which the position of the horns, 

 overshadowing its fiery eyes, not a little contributes. These weapons form at their base a solid, rugged 

 mass, covering the forehead, from which they bend downwards, and somewhat outwards, gradually 

 diminishing to the points, which suddenly curve upwards. The distance between the points of the horns 

 is frequently five feet, but the rugose massive base of each is in contact, forming an impenetrable 

 helmet ; their colour is black. The ears are a foot in length, pendent, and in a great measure defended 

 by the horns ; yet it is observed that they are always torn and jagged, either from the wounds received 

 in combat with each other, or from the lacerations of thorns and spines these animals continually 

 forcing their way through the dense thickets. Though not taller than the ordinary ox, the Cape 

 buffalo is a far stouter, heavier, and more powerful beast. 



N 



* Bos Caffer. 



