Kuminantia. MAMMALIA. Ungulata. 
very naturally recognized as of the same relation- 
ship, and are quite readily named as above, Bos 
being the Latin noun for Oxen-like creatures. This 
group is characterized by the hollow horns, broad 
muzzles, powerful limbs, and a general massiveness of 
body. By Wallace’s exhibit of the family Bovidca, 
in which he includes, besides the above named. An- 
telopes, iSheep and Goats, there are thirty-four 
genera and one hundred and forty-nine species. 
Among sub-families which he constructs out of this 
number, that of Booinm has six genera and thirteen 
species. I'his subTamily embraces the same forms 
seen in our present family. 
Bison. 
This genus is quite restricted, not only in the num- 
ber of species but in individuals, particularly as re- 
gards the European species, which has gradually 
succumbed to the advance of civilization. 'I’he 
American form is also rapidly passing away. 
'J'he Bisons are characterized mostly by their 
short horns, which curve inwards at the point, 
and by an extra pair of ribs; the usual or normal 
number in Bos being thirteen. 'I'he hair is long 
and shaggy, and in the males is developed into a 
very prominent mane on the neck, shoulders, and 
head. 
AMERICAN BISON {Bison americanus ) — Plate 18, 
tig. 59. — 'I’liis is a familiar animal to most people of 
the United States, and an important one to the un- 
settled population of the large western portions. It 
is asserted on all hands that tlie Buffalo, as it is 
almost universally termed, is rapidly on the decrease. 
'I’he wholesale destruction of the beast is much de- 
plored, as a large portion of the creatures slain are 
not utilized sufficiently to warrant it. 
A fine specimen of male Bison has been kept at Cen- 
tral Park, N. Y., many years ; a female was at one time 
kept with it, and a male Calf was raised from them. 
'I’liis individual, the Bull, presents a noble exhibit of 
the peculiar features of the species. 'I’he strength 
which he exerts, in his wild tossings and buttings 
against the heavy iron cage, is something marvelous 
to behold ; the heavy iron bars are bent and forced 
from their beds, and great caution is requisite to keep 
the creature within proper bounds. 
'J'he uses of this animal are too well known to dwell 
considerably upon them. 'J’he flesh is a great boon 
to the savage tribes, eaten fresh, or in a dried state 
for winter use ; the skin is largely used, both by the 
natives for tent covers, and the endless purposes of 
nomadic life, and by peoples of cold climates as 
robes and clothing. 
'I'lie term Bison was anciently applied by Pliny to 
the Wild Ox of Europe. 'I'he genus Bos, as at 
present determined, is represented by “only one liv- 
ing species ’’ (Wallace), and this the descendant of 
the ancient B. primigenius, which ranged over 
Central Europe in the time of the Homan Enqfire. 
'J'he Chillingham wild cattle are regarded as the 
nearest living allies of the ancient Bos. 'The Buffa- 
loes, Yaks, and other forms in Africa and India, are 
now arranged under other generic names, as Poepha- 
gus, Bubalus, Bibos, Anoa, etc. 
Audubon says : “In the days of our boyhood and 
youth, Bison roamed over the small and beautiful 
prairies of Indiana and Illinois ; herds of them 
stalked through the open woods of Kentucky and 
'Tennessee ; but they had dwindled down to a few 
stragglers, which resorted to the ‘ barrens,’ towards 
the years 1808-9, and soon after entirely disap- 
peared. 'J’heir range has since that period gradually 
tended westward.’’ Audubon exclaims, in his enthu- 
siasm, at the novel sight before him, when viewing 
the vast herds of these animals seen in the Missouri 
region. 'I’he herds wander great distances, and 
many are killed by falling into the deep ravines, 
which they are forced to approach by the vast 
multitudes always pressing on in their migrations. 
During Mr. Audubon’s last journey on the plains, 
ISlr. Bell, the taxidermist of New York, accompanied 
him, from whom we have often heard most spirited 
relations of the chase, and incidents of Bison migra- 
tion. 'They “ passed through herds six days in suc- 
cession.” At another time they “ saw the prairie 
black with them, covering the view as far as the eye 
could reach.” 'Though huge and heavy, they are re- 
presented as exceedingly frolicsome, gamboling as 
we often see domestic cattle do. Mr. Audubon re- 
lates that a gentleman in Kentucky, Mr. Robert 
AVicklifte, kept a herd of Bisons over thirty years. 
“ 'I’hey were as docile as other cattle, grazing with 
his domestic herd in the same field. 'J'he tame Bull 
was unwilling to breed with the Bison-cow, but the 
Bison-bull produced a cross with the common Cow. 
From the latter 1 have several half-breeds, one of 
which is a heifer; this I got by a domestic Bull to 
produce a Bull-calf, which proved to be a very fine 
animal, of large size.” 'J'hese crossed or half-breeds 
are larger than either the Bison or common Cow. 
Audubon states that the Bison was formerly com- 
mon in North and South Carolina. 
'J’he Eukofean Bison [B. honassus) is one of two 
species that now inhabit the globe, and this is well- 
nigh extinct, or probably would be were it not for 
the protection given it by the Czar of Russia, who 
has for many years preserved them on the con- 
fines of Lithuania. This species is considered to be 
identical with the great fossil Auroch of the Euro- 
pean cave deposits — the Jlison priscus of Owen. 
The term bonassus was applied to it by the ancients. 
It is very rare in collections, particularly in America ; 
a good specimen of the stuffed skin of an Auroch is 
in the American Museum, in Central Park, New 
York. This creature, though having the general 
aspect of the American Bison, stands much higher, 
its legs being longer, and its body is larger and more 
elongated ; the shoulders are not so strongly pro- 
duced, and there is much less of the shagginess of 
that region. We give place to this species, though 
foreign to our shores, as it is of great interest, being 
the only other form of this genus. 'J'he Buffaloes 
are more numerous, but there are only two species of 
I Bison. 
