NATURAL HISTORY. 
23 
RUMINATING ANIMALS 
A re fuch as are diftinguifliecl for chew- 
ing the cud, and being the moft mild and 
eaiily tamed. The ferocious or the carnivo- 
rous kinds, feek their food in gloomy folitude; 
but thefe range together in herds, and the very 
meaneft of them unite in defence of each other. 
The food of ruminating animals being eafily 
procured, they feem more indolent, and lefs 
artful than the carnivorous kinds, or thofe 
which feed on fielli. 
The BULL, OX, and COW. 
O F all ruminating animals thefe are firfl 
in rank, both with refpeft to fiz.e, beauty, 
and fervice. Many of our Englifli peafants 
have only a cow, from ^yhich they obtain 
a livelihood. Cows improve the palture 
which affords them their nourilhment. Their 
age is calculated by their horns and teeth. 
Of all Creatures, this animal is moll affedted 
by difference of foil, which being luxuriant, 
increafes their growth to a confiderable fiz.e, 
while in more fterile countries they are pro- 
portionally diminutive. In Gi'eat-Britain, the 
ox is the only horned animal that will apply 
