174 
THE BUBALIS. V 
Acrontus bubalis Smith. 
PLATE XVIII. 
This is a large animal, equalling the size of a Stag, 
but of heavy proportions, and of comparatively infe- 
rior speed. It is entirely of a yellowish dun colour, 
whiter on the lower parts and insides of the legs, and 
having the tail black, altogether resembling a cow in 
form, and being in reality termed in the native lan- 
guage of the Arabs, wild cow or ox. They inhabit 
the north of Africa, live in small troops, and are said 
to be easily tamed, a circumstance not, however, 
reconcilable with Fred. Cuvier’s specimen, which 
served for our present figure, and was a mischievous 
animal, while in the Menagerie of Versailles. The 
horns are directed backwards, and all those animals 
.furnished with horns which point in this direction, use 
them by placing the forehead parallel to the ground 
between the fore-legs, and in this position either 
wait for the assailant, or rush upon the enemy, and 
suddenly raising their head at the moment of contact 
■with immense force, inflict large and torn wound.s 
of the most dangerous description. 
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