HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 



47 



THE BUFFALO. 

 (Bos Bubalus, Linn. Le Buffle, Buff.) 



THERE is the most striking general resemblance 

 between the Buffalo and the common Ox; their 

 habits and propensities are nearly similar; they 

 are both equally submissive to the yoke, and may 

 be employed in the same domestic services; yet it 

 is certain, from experience, that no two animals of 

 the same genus can, in reality, be more distinct: 

 the Cow refuses to breed with the Buffalo, while 

 it is known to propagate with the Bison, to which 

 it bears, in point of form, a much more distant 

 similitude. 



The Buffalo is found, in a wild state, in many 

 parts of Africa, and India, and is common in the 

 countries near the Cape of Good Hope, where he is 

 described, by Sparrman, as a fierce, cruel, and 

 treacherous animal. He frequently rushes from 

 behind a thicket upon some unwary passenger; 

 and, having thrown him down, tramples him to 

 death \vith his feet and knees, tearing him with 

 his horns and teeth, and licking him with his 

 rough tongue, till the skin is nearly stripped 



