Buffalo

[Span.] A ruminant animal of the Ox family, found in Southern Asia and Europe and in South Africa. The buffalo of Asia is a native of the hast Indies, but has been introduced into other countries as far west as Italy. This animal is fond of water, and during the heat of the day lies in water sunk up to its nostrils. It covers itself with a coating of mud, as a protection against insects. It has long been domesticated and used as a beast of burden, and is the farming animal in the Phillipine Islands. The Cape buffalo inhabits South Africa, and is regarded by hunters as very fierce. Its horns are very broad at the base. Buffalo-horn is used for combs, drinking cups, and knife and fork-handles. The American bison is generally called buffalo. (See Bison.)