70 
ZOOLOGICAL GARDENS- 
more docility, and greater intelligence, as well as more 
activity of limb, than fall to the lot of the common 
European race. 
Of this smaller race the Society has at present 
numerous specimens, which vary considerably in their 
colours, the shape and extent of their horns, the size 
of their humps, and other equally unimportant parti- 
culars. But the same general forms, and the same 
quiet mildness of disposition, are observable in all the 
individuals which have come under our notice, includ- 
ing several specimens of a yet smaller race, which 
scarcely exceeds two feet in height and measures little 
more than three feet in total length. 
The whole of the breeds are treated with great vene- 
ration by the Hindoos, who hold it sinful to deprive 
them of life under any pretext whatever. But they do 
not, in general, scruple to make the animals labour for 
their benefit ; although they consider it the height of 
impiety to eat of their flesh. A select number are, how- 
ever, exempted from all services, and have the privilege 
of straying about the towns and villages, and of taking 
their food wheresoever they please, if not sufficiently 
supplied by the pious contributions of the devotees who 
impose on themselves this charitable office. 
