OF OX, NAMED GAYa'l. 523 



five yeail5 ; and the female is generally higher 

 than the male. She receives the bull in her fifth 

 year, and bears after ten montlis. If milked, she 

 yields from two, to tvv^o and a half, ,sers of milk *, 

 or sometimes more. 



* The' tame Gayals, however long they may have 

 been domesticated, do not at all differ from the 

 wild; unless in temper: for the wild are fierce 

 and untractable. The colour of both is the same; 

 namely, that of the antelope; but some are white, 

 and others black : none are spotted, nor piebald. 

 They graze and range like other cattle ; and eat 

 rice, mustard, chiches, and any cultivated pro- 

 duce ; as also chaff' and chopped straw. 



" The Gavaya is like a cow ;" consequently, not 

 fhe same with a cow ; a Hindu, therefore, com- 

 mits no offence by kiUing one. But natives of 

 Bengal, or of the mountains, who are Hindus, 

 scruple to kill a Gayal themselves, because it is 

 named Gobay-goru (or the Gavaya cow).' 



To this answer, an addition was made by the 

 liajas Vakil, at Silhet. * 



' Mttlianas are sacrificed, especially by Nagas 

 and Cuds, before the mountain gods, Nakharam 

 and Mciiram. Tlie Cuds and Nagas are fond of 

 the meat; and, therefore, constantly keep such 

 cattle, and eat their flesh ; and often make pre- 

 sents of them to the Rdjd of Cdchlidr. The Rqjd 

 preserves them, and sometimes offers Metliands in 

 sacrifices to deities ; or entertains, \vith their flesh, 

 Nagas and Cuds, who come to visit him. The 



From four to five pounds. 



