Bos

(bos.) [L, an ox.] (Zoül.) Agen of Ruminants, sub fam. Bovine, characterized by horns curving outwards and upwards, with a broad, naked muzzle, wide spa co between the nostrils, large ears, rather long tail, and broad hoofs. The common Ox (B. taurus), so serviceable to man, is too well known to need description. The Zebu is a variety inhabiting India, which has a large hump of fat upon the back between the shoulders. The male is known as the Brahmin Bull, and is held sacred by the Hindoos. The American Bison(B. American us), Fig. 97.-AMERICAN BISON OR BUFFALO. commonly but erroneously called Buffalo, formerly inhabiting nearly all N. America, but now found only on the W. plains, is the largest quadruped of America, being of the size of a large domestic ox, and character ized by a large head, which is carried low, broad fore head, wide full chest, large hump between the shoulders, narrow loins, and comparatively slender legs. The horns, set far apart, are thick at base, and taper rapidly to a sharp point. The Bison is covered with a thick coat of hair; that upon the head, neck, hump, shoulders, and fore-legs to the knees, is very long and shaggy. The horns, hoofs, and hair-except the middle of the back, which is brownish-are black. The Eison is found in herds from a score to several you sand in number. Though naturally timid, they are furious and formidable when wounded by the hunter It is a congener of the European Aurochs or Bison (B bona us). The Buffalo of S Europe (B. lubalus, is related to the Arni (B: arni) of India, whoso enormous horns are ten feet from tip to tip. The Cape Buffalo (13. caf fer) of S. Africa is characterized by its large horns, which are so thick at the base that they nearly cover the forehead. The Grunting Cow, or Yak, of Tartary (B grunniens), smaller than any of the preceding, has ata il resembling that of ahorse, and along mane upon the back. It makes a grunting noise similar to that ofa hog. [s. 107]