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cats, and a variety of monkeys and squirrels; some of the mon- 
keys are large, and covered with black glossy hair, except a very 
full white beard and mustachios; which give them a venerable, 
and almost a human appearance. 
The wild buffaloe is common in many parts of Travencore: I 
had never before been in a country where these animals were in- 
digenous. The Malabars, and especially the Nairs, form large 
hunting parties to destroy them, as also the wild elephant, tiger, 
and leopard. They assemble by hundreds, armed with strong 
spears, and large bows and arrows: forming a circle round the 
thickets frequented by the wild beasts, they make a loud noise to 
rouse them from cover, and drive them towards the centre: then 
gradually contracting the circle, they unite in an armed phalanx, 
and fall upon their prey, of which very few escape: but they 
sometimes wound each other in their furious onset, and often sus- 
tain dreadful attacks from their enraged foe. 
O 
The buffaloe is one of the strongest and most formidable of 
the savage race; with short horns, powerful neck, and large tuft 
of hair on the head. It is justly remarked in the oriental field- 
sports, that his aspect is extremely fierce; he seems to look with 
disdain on every living object, and to rely on the great strength 
he possesses, to overthrow whatever may be opposed to his rage. 
The smallest provocation irritates him incredibly! and such is 
his courage, that he will sometimes attack even a group of elephants 
going for fodder. There cannot be a more menacing object than 
a single wild buffaloe, disturbed from wallowing in the mud. His 
looks are ferocious in the extreme; and the knowledge of his bru- 
tal disposition by no means allays the apprehensions to which his 
