yak

[Native name.] Zool.: Poephagus († Bos ) grunniens, a species of ox from the mountainous regions of Tibet. There are two races: The wild yak, generally black, which is found near the snow line, descending into the valleys in winter, and a domesticated race of various colors, black and white being most common. The yak is about the size of the common ox, to which it has a general resemblance, but it is covered with a thick coat of long, silky hair, hanging down like the fleece of a sheep, completely investing the tail, and forming a lengthy fringe along the shoulders, flanks, and thighs. Mr. Bartlett considers that this fringe, which exists in both races, was developed as a protection to the animal in its alpine haunts, as the long hair forms a sort of mat which defends the body from the effects of cold when the animal is reposing in the snow. The domesticated race is of great importance to the natives of Tibet. IMG:content-1080.jpg:[graphic][merged small] The yak is employed as a beast of burden, but never man; -ship.] The art or science of sailing or man- aging a yacht. "The partisans of English yachtman ship need not be disconcerted."- St . James's Gazette, Sept. 8, 1886. tyachts-wom-an ( ch silent), s. [Eng. yacht , s., and woman .] A woman skilled in or fond of yacht- ing. "It [the Sea-Eagle] is much exposed to the attacks of marauding yachtsmen and yachtswomen." - Athenœum, Sept. 1, 1888, p. 294.