THE RECLUSE. 



most wild and recluse parts of the forest, of vast 

 size and power. It is generally believed that this 

 race is preserved in some semi- wild oxen of a pure 

 white colour, which inhabit one or two extensive 

 woodland parks in the northern parts of our own 

 island. It is interesting to observe the effect 

 which the presence of man produces upon these 

 animals. On the appearance of any person, the 

 herd sets off at full gallop, and, at the distance of 

 two or three hundred yards, they make a wheel 

 round, and come boldly up again, tossing their 

 heads in a menacing manner; on a sudden they 

 make a full stop, at the distance of forty or fifty 

 yards, looking wildly at the object of their sur- 

 prise; but, upon the least motion being made, 

 they all again turn round and fly off with equal 

 speed, but not to the same distance; forming a 

 shorter circle, and again returning with a bolder 

 and more threatening aspect than before, they 

 approach much nearer, probably within thirty 

 yards, when they make another stand, and again 

 fly off; this they do several times, shortening their 

 distance, and advancing nearer, till they come 

 within ten yards; when most people think it pru- 

 dent to leave them, not choosing to provoke 

 them further ; for there is little doubt but, in two 

 or three turns more, they would make an attack. 

 The cows and calves partake of this jealous se- 

 clusion. When the former bring forth, it is in 

 some sequestered thicket, where the calf is care- 

 fully concealed until it is able to accompany its 

 dam, who, till that time, visits it regularly twice 

 or thrice a day. Should accident bring a person 

 near the secret place, the calf immediately claps its 

 head upon the ground, and seeks concealment by 

 lying close like a hare in its form. A hidden calf 

 of only two days old, on being disturbed, mani- 

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