131 Quadrupeds. 
§ Villi — 'Ruminating Animals. 
THE BULL. (Bos Taurus.) 
There are, perhaps, no animals more generally useful to 
mankind than the race of oxen, in all their states of 
existence. They are called ruminating animals ; that is, 
after they have eaten their food they possess the power 
of returning it from the first stomach into the mouth, to 
be again masticated before it is finally digested. This 
is called chewing the cud ; and as the animal generally 
lies down, and looks very thoughtful while the operation 
is performing, it is said to be ruminating. 
The Bull is a very fierce creature, and when enraged, 
runs about, tossing up his tail, and roaring most fear- 
fully. When attacked by men or dogs, he tears up the 
ground with his feet, and then gallops after his assailants, 
endeavouring to toss them with his horns; and very 
often pursues in this manner any one he sees, parti- 
cularly if the}'' appear frightened. When in danger of 
being attacked by a Bull, the best course is to stand 
still, and open an umbrella, or flap a shawl, or something 
of that kind, in the Bull's face ; as with all his fierceness 
he is a great coward, and only pursues those who fly 
from him. 
The Ox, or Bullock, is used in some parts of the 
