ructure is the same;" but he
does not inform us when, or where, or how, the comparison was made which
enabled him to arrive at that conclusion.

Wishing to satisfy myself, as far as possible, on this point, I have
examined the skeleton both of the British Domestic Ox and the Zebu; and
the following is the result of that examination:--

NUMBER OF VERTEBRAE.

Cerv. Dors. Lumb. Sac. Caud. Total.
In the Zebu 7 13 6 4 18 = 48
In the Common Ox 7 13 6 5 21 = 52

The skeletons may still be seen in the Museum of the College of
Surgeons.

Furthermore, the period of gestation of the Brahmin Cow (according to
the MS. records of the Zoological Society), is 300 days, while that of
the Common Cow is only 270 days.

Whether the differences here pointed out are sufficient to constitute
specific distinction, is left for the umpires to decide.

[Illustration: THE ZEBU.--(_Var. beta._)]

These Indian Cattle are extremely gentle, and admirably adapted to
harness. Some of the eastern princes attach them to their artillery; but
generally they employ the finest to draw their light carriages, which in
form are very similar to those of the ancients. In mountainous
countries, they have them shod. Their pace is a kind of amble, and they
are able to sustain a journey of about twenty leagues a day. Guided by a
cord which passes through the nasal cartilage, they obey the hand with
as much precision as a horse.

In the same provinces are seen a race of dwarf Bisons, which are
scarcely as tall as our calves of two months old, generally described
under the name of _Zebu_. They are lively, well proportioned, and
trained to be mounted by children, or to draw a light car. In both cases
their pace is a sort of amble, the same as that of the larger species.

[Illustration: Zebus (_Var. gamma_) and Car.]

The curious Hindoo customs in relation to this animal have been recorded
by almost every traveller.

Neither the horse, the sheep, nor the goat, have any peculiar sanctity
annexed to them by the Braminical superstition; it is otherwise with the
cow, which in India is everywhere regarded with veneration, and is an
object of peculiar worship. Representations of objects are made upon the
walls with cow-dung, and these enter deeply into their routine of daily
observances. The same materials are also dried, and