AFRICA. 207 
faloe Is much ftronger and larger than the 
moft beautiful oxen in Europe ; and I am of 
the fame opinion as many travellers, that it 
would not be impoffible to render it tradable 
and fubmiffive to the yoke. That this at- 
tempt hath never yet fucceeded, is but a v/eak 
objediion ; for falfe experiments are no proof. 
Such an enterprize, indeed, w^ould require time, 
knowledge, and art ; and ought not to be en- 
trufted to the Indolence of an ignorant planter, 
accuftomed often to fee infurmountable ob- 
ftacles in a flight difficulty. This fpeculation is 
worthy of the grand views of a Company who 
are continually endeavouring to extend every 
branch of induftry and commerce. Were 
fome of thefe animals caught when very 
young, and put into proper inclofures, and 
were they gradually acculLomed to come and 
receive fome favourite food from their keeper^ 
they would foon carefs the hand that feeds 
them. When they grew up, they would pro- 
duce young ; which, inftruSed by their mo- 
thers, would follow their example, and become 
ftill more familiar. Why fhould we not be- 
lieve that, at the third generation, the manners 
of the buffaloe would be foftened, vv^hen we 
every day fee ferocious bears, taken from the 
moim-' 
