586 On Bos Gaums* [No. 115. 



produce. But in general it is a timid animal, and it is often difficult 

 to get within gun-shot of them. 



The period of gestation is with the Bison the same as with the do- 

 mesticated animal ; they drop their young in the months of September 

 and October. I once had one brought to me so young, the navel string 

 was still unseparated. I should think it was then about the size of a 

 common country cow's calf of four months old. It seems a slow grow- 

 ing animal. A calf I had for three years was evidently in every res- 

 pect still a mere calf. They seem very difficult to rear. I have known 

 it attempted at different ages, but never knew the animal to live beyond 

 the third year. Mr. Cockburn has tried it in vain, in its native cli- 

 mate, the Sherwaroyah hills, and I have made the attempt at Salem 

 repeatedly. At one time I had five in my farm-yard ; one lived for 

 three years : but this one, with all the others, died suddenly in the 

 same week from some disease, marked by refusal of food, running from 

 the nose, and an abominable stench from the mouth. A similar disease, 

 it may be noted, prevailed, I was informed, at the same time, among 

 the Bison of the Sherwaroyah, Shandamungalum and Neilgherry hills. 

 The calves I had, never became in any degree domesticated : the do- 

 mesticated cow could never be induced to suckle them." 



I may add, that the persevering ferocity of the Bison of the Sub- 

 Himalayan range, described by Mr. Hodgson, is quite foreign to the 

 character of the animal in the southern forests. When wounded, it is 

 true, it charges its assailant with determined courage, and many in- 

 stances have come to my knowledge of its doing so with fatal effect, 

 among which I may cite those of two officers within the last few years, 

 both of whom were killed at the Mahabaleshwar hills ; but in general 

 it will always seek its safety by flight, if permitted. 



inches. 

 Height from the end of the maxillary bone to the vertex... 22 



Breadth of front between the edges of the horns 13 to 14 



Length of horn from base to point in a straight line 21 



Do. do. along the curve 30 



Diameter (longest section) inside 6| 



Do. (broadest do.) 4f 



Circumference at the base 18^ 



Distance between the points 39 



