276 
MAMMALIA. 
The Cape Buffalo ( Bubalus coffer) is distinguished, by its 
large horns, from all the other species peculiar to the Old World, 
the flattened bases of which coyer the top of its head like a 
helmet, only leaving a triangular space between them. The 
horns of this African Buminant are black, while its coat is 
brown. It lives in numerous herds in the thickest forests of 
Southern Africa, from the northern limits of Cape Colony as far 
as Guinea, When in the open country it is shy and cautious ; 
but is formidable and aggressive when hunted in the woods 
which form its principal retreat. Buffalo hunting is one of the 
occupations of the natives of the south of Africa ; and it is not 
unaccompanied by danger, for it often happens that the re- 
spective characters are inverted, and it is the Buffalo which 
chases the hunters (Fig. 106). 
The Yak, or Horse-tailed Buffalo {Bos grunniens, Linn.), has a 
large tuft of woolly hair on its head, and a sort of mane on its 
neck; the underneath part of its body, particularly around the 
legs, is covered with very bushy, long, pendent hair; its tail, 
which is entirely covered with hair, resembles that of a horse ; 
while its voice is a low and monotonous sound, which becomes 9 
harsh and discordant when the animal is excited. 
It is found undomesticated on the confines of Chinese Tartary. 
It is then wild, irascible, and dangerous ; but when captured 
and broken in, it proves a useful servant to the inhabitants of 
Thibet and the north of China, who utilise it as we do our cattle. 
Its milk is excellent ; and its strength in carrying loads and 
dragging ploughs and conveyances extraordinary. But it is with ( 
difficulty they are tamed, for their disposition is always restless i 
and wilful, and subject to fits of bad temper. Its flesh is highly | 
esteemed, and coarse fabrics are made from its hair. 
The tail of this Buminant has long been valued in the East. 
Attached to the end of a lance, with the Mussulmen it is the 
insignia of the dignity of Pacha ; and, the higher this dignity, 
the greater is the number of tails which the possessor of rank has 
a right to have carried before him. The Chinese also adorn 
themselves with the tail of the Yak, dyed red, by placing it in 
their caps. It is moreover employed as a switch for driving 
away flies. 
Yaks have been successfully introduced into Europe, and they 
