64 



M A M M A L G Y. 



3. Genus BOS, Linn. Syst. Nat. I, p. 98 (1766). 



1. Bos BUBALis, Linn. — The Indian Buffalo. 

 Bos huhalis, LiNN. Syst. Nat. I, p. 99 (1766). 



Schreber Saugtli. Y, Plate CCC. 



In that portion of his journal kept at the Philippine Islands, in 

 January, 1842, Dr. Pickering has the following observations relating 

 to this animal : 



" The buflBxlo is an animal very useful to the natives in these 

 islands, as a beast of burden, and is so employed extensively. Though 

 probably not originally found here, it is said to have escaped to the 

 woods, and to have now become wild. It appears to have been long 

 domesticated by the Malays. 



" In form, this animal, though not so tall, is much stouter propor- 

 tionately and more massive than the ox, and carries its head much 

 lower, in fact, half way to the ground. The horns are differently 

 directed, not rising upwards, and approaching very near to each other 

 at their origin. Its voice is entirely different, and much lower, re- 

 minding me in some measure of that of a young colt. The skin is 

 covered with thin straight hair, frequently scarcely perceptible. It is 

 frequently to be seen incrusted with mire, in which it appears to be 

 as fond of rolling as the hog, and is also exceedingly fond of the water. 

 Indeed, it seemed to be the practice to allow it daily the luxury of 

 bathing, which it did by going into the water until almost completely 

 submerged. 



" In the Philippines, this animal is led or guided by a cord through 

 its nose, and is used for riding upon as well as in carts. It is appa- 

 rently very docile generally, under the management of the natives, 

 though occasional exceptions occur. I saw a Malay who had been 

 seriously injured by the horn of a buffalo. It is said to be especially 

 ill-natured towards white men. Its flesh is stated to be hard and 

 coarse, and much inferior to that of the ox. 



