BISON. 



19 



Russian Government. In 1880 this herd numbered 600 head, but 



it has considerably diminished since that date. The species is 



represented by a bull from the Lithuanian herd presented by [Case 44.] 



H.I.M. the Tsar of Russia in 1845, and a bull and cow from the 



Caucasus, killed and presented by Mr. St. George Littledale in 



1892. During the Pleistocene epoch (as well as later) the Bison ; 



was abundant over the greater part of Europe, but it appears to 



have become extinct in Britain much sooner than the Aurochs. 



The Pleistocene Bison is distinguished as Bos [Bison'] priscus ; a 



series of skulls is exhibited in the Geological Department. 



The American Bison. This species (1035) ' which is ver ^ closel y C Ca8e44 -J 



allied to the European Bison, although with 

 BOS [Bison] bison. more abundant hair, relatively weaker hind- 

 quarters, and shorter and more curved horns, formerly existed in 

 hundreds of thousands on the prairies of the North-West, but is 

 now almost exterminated as a wild animal. A small herd is 

 preserved by the U.S. Government in the Yellowstone Park and 

 a few others exist under protection. Bison (or "Buffalo," as they 

 are universally called in America) were typically inhabitants of 

 the open prairies, and thus differed markedly from their European 

 relative. During a large portion of the year they went about in 

 small bands, but during the breeding-season collected in enormous 

 herds. In search of water, they sometimes made long journeys 

 across country; and all the various bands composing a herd migrated 

 southwards in winter. The number of Bison in the great herd on 

 the Arkansas in 1871 was computed at not less than four 

 millions. An alternative name of the species is B. americanus. 



The Wood-Bison, Bos [Bison] bison athapascce, is a large dark- 

 coloured race inhabiting the North-West districts, and dwelling 

 in partially timbered country. Most or all of the survivors of the 

 species belong to this race, which is very similar to the typical 

 prairie race. 



African Buffaloes. The Buffaloes are neav % Duil t Oxen, [Case 44.1 



with sparsely haired skin, large ears, 



Bos [Bubalus] caffer. etc. ]ong tufted taiUj broa(1 muzzleS) and 



massive angulated horns. In having only 13 pairs of ribs they 

 resemble the typical Oxen. African Buffaloes have the hair of the 

 back directed backwards. In the Cape Buffalo, Bos [Bubalus] 



c 2 



