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xaces, the Urns, within the period of history occupied the forests of cen¬ 
tral Europe, and was described by ancient writers as little less in size 
than the elephant, with enormous horns, and of a savage and ferocious 
nature. It is a singular fact, that though the Urus has been long since 
exterminated, the Aurochs (called also Bonassus and Zubr) which existed 
cotemporaneously with the former—the bones of both species being found 
In the same formation—has been continued to the present time. There 
is also a similar fact in regard to the hog, whose remains, resembling in 
every respect the present domestic race, are found intermingled with 
various extinct species of animals. It is an interesting, but unanswera¬ 
ble question—What could have destroyed some species of animals, while 
others which existed at the same time, have been preserved ? 
Other extinct species of the bovine genus, bore a nearer affinity to the 
modern domestic ox, though the identity of the latter with any of the 
former, has not been ascertained. The remains are found in England, 
France, and other parts of Europe, as well as in Asia. In America, also, 
one or more fossil species has been discovered, believed to be distinct 
>from any now in existence. 
The buffalo of Europe and Asia is sometimes domesticated, is made to 
perform labor in husbandry, and in some countries the female is kept for 
. its milk. The flesh is also used for human food. It exists, likewise, in 
a wild state. In different localities it presents considerable diversity of 
•character, and a question, not yet settled, has been raised in regard to 
/the specific identity of the races. It is a highly useful animal in warm 
^countries, subsisting where the domestic ox cannot live, and as it delights 
to wallow in mud and water, is well adapted to work in rice fields. It 
may properly be mentioned here, that Dr. J. B. Davis, of South Carolina, 
has imported what is called the water ox, or buffalo, for the purpose of 
employing the animal in the agricultural labors of that section. 
The Gayal, or Jungly Gau, a native of Asia, is found both in a tame 
.and wild state, in the former of which it is used for the same purposes 
&8 the buffalo. 
The Yak, or grunting ox, a native of Thibet and other elevated parts 
•of Asia, is also domesticated, is employed in labor, and its flesh is used 
fas food by the inhabitants of those countries. 
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