518 THE AMERICAN BISON. 



consisting of a few males and a great comparative number of the opposite sex. These herds 

 frequent the deepest recesses of the forest, and in their own domains bear supreme ride, 

 neither tiger, rhinoceros, or elephant daring to attack them. During the heat of noonday, the 

 Gaurs are buried in the thickest coverts, but in the early morning, and after the setting of the 

 sun, they issue from their place of concealment, and go forth to pasture on the little patches 

 of open verdure that are generally found even in the deepest forests. The watchfulness of this 

 animal is extremely remarkable, as, independently of placing the usual sentries, the Gaurs are 

 said to arrange themselves in a circle while at rest, their heads all diverging outwards, so as 

 to preserve equal vigilance on every side. They may, however, be readily approached if the 

 spectator be mounted on an elephant, as they seem to regard these huge animals without any 

 suspicion or fear. In all probability, the imperturbable indifference with which they look upon 

 the elephant is caused by the fact that the elephant is never used in Gaur-hunting, and, unless 

 accompanied by human beings, never attempts to attack these animals. 



The voice of the Gaur is rather peculiar, being totally different from the bellow of an ordi- 

 nary bull or the lowing of a cow, and partaking greatly of the nature of a grunt, or hoarse 

 cough. The breath of the Gaur is even sweeter than that of the domestic cow, and is 

 plainly perceptible at a distance of several yards. The skin of this animal is extremely 

 thick, especially on the shoulders and hinder quarters. The hide of these parts of the animal 

 will sometimes measure nearly two inches in thickness when it has been removed from the 

 Gaur, and permitted to contract during the process of drying. On account of its great 

 strength, this portion of the skin is much esteemed for the purpose of being manufactured into 

 shields. The flesh of the Gaur is said to be remarkably tender, and of good flavor. 



To the Bisons belongs the Aurochs, or Bokassus, the former name being a corruption of 

 the word Auer-Ochs. It is also commonly known by the name of Zubr. This animal is now 

 almost, if not exclusively, confined to the forest of Bialowikza, in Lithuania, a locality which 

 is peculiarly suitable to its habits, on account of the large marshy districts in which it abounds. 

 In order that this magnificent animal may be preserved in perfection, it is protected by the 

 most stringent forest laws. The Aurochs gives forth a powerful and curious odor, which is 

 far from unpleasant, and partakes equally of the characters of musk and violet. This perfume 

 is found to penetrate the whole of the body to a certain extent, but is exhaled most powerfully 

 from the skin and hair which covers the upper part of the forehead. It is found in both 

 sexes, but is much weaker in the cow than in her mate. 



Although not so large as some of the preceding animals, standing only about six feet in 

 height at the summit of the elevated shoulder, it is strongly and muscularly built, and* is a 

 terrible foe to any antagonist that may happen to arouse its ire. Like the buffalo, it has no 

 fear of predaceous animals, a single Aurochs being supposed to be an overmatch for several 

 hungry wolves. In general, it is shy, and fearful of the presence of man, slipping quietly 

 away as soon as its acute senses perceive the symptoms of human neighborhood ; but if 

 wounded or irritated, it fights most desperately, using its short, sharply-pointed horns with 

 terrible effect. In disposition it is said to be rather morose and untamable, never having been 

 really domesticated and brought under the dominion of man, even when taken at a very 

 early age. 



It is a good swimmer, and is fond of dabbling in water, as well as of rolling itself in 

 certain favored mud-holes which it frequents. For this reason, it is generally found in 

 thickets which border upon marshy land, ponds, or streams, and in consequence causes all 

 experienced travellers to be very cautious how they approach such localities. Its food is 

 various vegetable substances, and it is especially fond of lichens. In spite of its heavy and 

 awkward look, it is sufficiently active and swift, running with considerable speed for a short 

 time, but being unable to prolong the course for many miles. While running, it carries its 

 head very low, placing the nose almost between the fore-feet. 



The American Bison looks at first sight like an exaggeration of the aurochs, the hair 

 of the body being thicker, more woolly, and more closely curled ; the mane, which hangs 



