SACRED ANIMALS 85 



We may now consider (i) the Ox as a herbivorous animal 

 and endeavour to learn something of interest as a result, and after 

 that a few points may be referred to concerning (2) the Ox as a 

 domestic animal. 



I. The Ox as a Herbivorous Animal. — Vegetarians may not 

 agree with the statement, but it is generally recognized that "meat 

 furnishes a more lasting nourishment than an equivalent amount 

 of bread or any other vegetable product (e.g. fruit or vegetables). 

 Vegetable substances are, therefore, less nutritious than animal 

 products (flesh, milk, blood, etc.)." As a result, the Ox, having 

 a large body to support, is bound to partake of large quantities 

 of food. 



The animal would not be able, for example, to appease its 

 hunger by eating a single blade of grass at a time, and, this being 

 so, the Ox pulls up its food in bunches. How is this task accom- 

 plished? The long and very rough tongue is an efficient organ in 

 this respect, for by means of it food is secured and conveyed to 

 the teeth. The latter are excellently arranged, for a long row of 

 incisors is essential. There are accordingly six broad incisor teeth 

 in the lower jaw, and the lower canine teeth have the same form 

 as the incisors. "By these teeth the bunch of fodder is pressed 

 against the edge of the upper jaw, which is toothless and cartilagin- 

 ous. The tufts of grass are detached by an Upward push of the 

 head. The incisors are very long and large, and directed obliquely 

 forwards, so that the animal is able to cut off quite short grass; 

 but in this case no assistance is rendered by the tongue." 



The Ox spends the best part of the day in the act of feeding, 

 and this necessitates that it must continue to be always on the 

 move. Thus we find that it possesses strong legs and feet, which 

 terminate in stout hoofs. It is interesting to notice also that the 

 wild animals must undertake prolonged wanderings in order to 

 find fresh pastures. 



Having watched an Ox feeding in a pasture field for some 

 considerable length of time, has it ever occurred to the reader how 

 well adapted is the beast for the life it leads ? The strong muscula- 

 ture of the neck, for example, enables the animal while engaged 

 in feeding to keep its head depressed for several hours. 



Let us follow this analysis of the Ox a little further, and to enable 

 us to do this the concise method adopted by Dr. Schmeil may be 

 followed thus — 



