HISTORY' OF QUADRUPEDS. 25 



THE OX KIND. 



(Bos Taurus, Linn. Lc Tau-rcau, Buff. 



OF all quadrupeds, the Cow seems most exten- 

 sively propagated : it is equally capable of enduring 

 the rigours of heat and cold; and is an inhabitant 

 of the frozen, as well as the most scorching cli- 

 mates. Other animals preserve their nature or 

 their form with inflexible perseverance; but these, 

 in every respect, suit themselves to the wants and 

 conveniences of mankind. In no animal is there 

 to be met with a greater variety of kinds ; and in 

 none, a more humble and pliant disposition. 



The climate and pastures of Great Britain are 

 well adapted to the nature of this animal ; and we 

 are indebted to the variety and abundance of our 

 wholesome vegetables, for the number and excel- 

 lence of our cattle, which range over our hills, and 

 enliven our plains a source of inexhaustible wealth 

 the pride and boast of this happy country. 



Being destitute of the upper fore teeth, the Cow 

 prefers the high and rich grass in pastures, to the 

 short and more delicate herbage generally selected 

 by the Horse. For this reason, in our English 

 pastures, where the grass is rather high and flour- 

 ishing, than succulent and nutritious, the Cow 

 thrives admirably; and there is no part of Europe 

 in which this animal grows larger, yields more 

 milk, or fattens sooner. 



It has often been remarked, that the Horse and 

 Sheep impoverish the soil on which they graze; 

 whilst the pasture where the Cow is fed acquires a 



VOL. III. D 



