59^ UNGULATA. 



thirst, to leap back again into their own pasture. As a beast of burden, 

 the Zebu is in equally great request, for it can carry a heavy load for 

 a very great distance. 



The Zebu race has a very wide range of locality, being found in 

 India, China, Madagascar, and the eastern coast of Africa. It is believed., 

 however, that its native land is India, and that it must have been im- 

 ported from thence into the other countries. There are various breeds 

 of Zebu, some being about the size of our ordinary cattle, and others 

 varying in dimensions from a large ox to a small Newfoundland dog. 



The well-known Brahmin Bull (Plate XLIV), is the most familiar 

 of these varieties. It is so called, because it is considered to be sacred 

 to Brahma. 



The more religious among the Hindoos, scrupulously observant of 

 the letter of a law which was intended, to be universal in its application, 

 but to which they give only a partial interpretation, indulge this animal 

 in the most absurd manner. They place the sacred mark of Siva on its 

 body, and permit it to wander about at its own sweet will, pampered by 

 every luxury, and never opposed in any wish or caprice which it may 

 form. A Brahmin Bull will walk along the street with a quaintly digni- 

 fied air, inspect anything and anybody that may excite his curiosity, 

 force every one to make way for himself, and if he should happen to take 

 a fancy to the contents of a fruiterer's or greengrocer's shop, will delib- 

 erately make his choice, and satisfy his wishes, none daring to cross him. 

 The indulgence which is extended to this animal is carried to so great a 

 height, that if a Brahmin Bull chooses to lie down in a narrow lane, no 

 one can pass until he gets up of his own accord. 



Bishop Heber, in his well-known journal, mentions the Brahmin 

 Bulls, and the unceremonious manner in which they conduct them- 

 selves, and remarks that they are sometimes rather mischievous as 

 well as annoying, being apt to use their horns if their caprices be not 

 immediately gratified. 



THE WILD CATTLE OF INDIA. 



The Wild Cattle ranging the woods and jungles of a great part of the 

 Oriental region from Southern India to Assam, Burmah, the Malay 

 Peninsula, Borneo, and Java form the third genus of the sub-family 

 Bovin^e, and are divided into three species. 



