THE BRITISH OX. 
414 
for, and cherished by him, and sometimes more so than his own 
children. They are never ill-treated nor beaten, for his voice is 
sufficient to guide and govern the whole herd, and there reigns a 
perfect cordiality between them. 
“ In the Alps, the fine cattle are the pride of their keepers, who 
adorn the best of them with an harmonious set of bells, chiming 
in accordance with the celebrated ranz des vaches. The finest 
black cow r is adorned with the largest bell, and those next in ap¬ 
pearance wear the two smaller ones. Early in the spring, when 
they are removed to the Alps or to some change of pasture, he 
dresses himself in all his own finery, and proceeds along, singing 
the ranz des vaches, followed by three or four fine goats: next 
comes the finest cow, adorned with the great bell; then the 
other two with the smaller bells, and these are succeeded by the 
rest of the cattle, walking one after another, and having in their 
rear the bull with a one-legged milking stool on his horns, while 
the procession is closed by a sledge bearing the dairy implements. 
“ It is surprising to see the pride and pleasure with which the 
cow’s stalk forth when ornamented with their bells. One would 
hardly imagine that these animals are sensible of their rank, and 
affected by vanity and jealousy ; and yet if the leading cow be 
deprived of her honours, she manifests her disgrace by lowing 
incessantly, and abstaining from food, and losing condition. The 
happy rival on whom this badge of superiority has devolved, be¬ 
comes the object of her vengeance, and is butted, and wounded, 
and persecuted by her in the most furious manner, until she re¬ 
gains her bell, or is entirely removed from the herd.”— Illustra¬ 
tions oj Natural History, p. 72. 
We are exceedingly obliged to Scot us for the explanation 
which he has given us of Mr. Dick’s last examination, and we 
hasten to set ourselves right with that gentleman. We did ex¬ 
press some regret that no veterinary surgeon w r as present on that 
occasion. Scotus, who w r e have reason to believe is a pupil of 
Mr. Dick, and naturally attached to such an instructor, and 
jealous of his reputation, assures us that several of the Edin¬ 
burgh veterinary practitioners were invited, and had promised to 
attend, but had been prevented by professional engagements; 
