BOS

(Lat. bos, an ox.) A genus of ruminating mammals, which is one of the most Important in relation to the nece ities and conveniences of man. To this genus belongs the domestic ox, in all its various breeds and varieties. With respect to the wild original of our numerous herds there is yet some obscurity; le , however, than hangs over the origin of other domesticated species. The wild cattle which approach nearest to the tame are those which inhabit the forests of the north-east of Europe; and the white cattle, which are still preserved in a state of purity at Craven, at Chilling ham Park, and in Scotland. These are both referred to the species called Bos taurus, or Bos urus, or Urtis Scoticus; but there is much reason for supposing this species to have been the domestic ox reverted to a state of nature. Another well-marked variety of this species is the Brahminy bull; characterised by the hump on the shoulders and the pendent dewlap. The other Known wild species of ox are the Gayal of India {Bosgavceus) \ the Yak of the mountains of Central Asia (lios grunniens); lastly, there are the Buffaloes, which, though anatomically le distinct than the Bisons from the typical Bovcs, yet differ from the oxen as a group in many points. They have larger liorns, which sometimes form a horny covering of great thickne to the whole frontal region; and they approach the Pachyderm at a in the thickne of the skin and the thinly scattered coarse hair. They frequent marshy grounds, and feed on a ranker and coarser herbage than the ox. The flesh of buffaloes is rank and coarse, and they are used chiefly as beasts of draught or burden. The two best marked species are the Indian or Arnee buffalo (Bos arnce), a.nd the South African buffalo (Bos caff i;r). [s. 169]