rn, and no little
portion will be torn up by the roots. If cattle are observed while they
are grazing, it will be seen that many a root mingles with the blades of
grass; and these roots have sometimes no inconsiderable quantity of
earth about them. The beast, however, seems not to regard this; he eats
on, dirt and all, until his paunch is filled.

"It was designed that this earth should be gathered and swallowed; it
was the meaning of this mechanism. A portion of absorbent earth is found
in every soil, sufficient not only to prevent the evil that would result
from occasional decomposition, by neutralizing the acid principle as
rapidly as it is evolved; but, perhaps, by its presence, preventing that
decomposition from taking place. Hence the eagerness with which
stall-fed cattle, who have not the opportunity of plucking up the roots
of grass, evince for mould. It is seldom that a cow will pass a
newly-raised mole hill without nuzzling into it, and devouring a
considerable portion of it. This is particularly the case where there is
any degree of indigestion."

The general disposition of animals of this class, when unmolested, is
inoffensive and retiring; but when excited and irritated, they are
fierce and courageous, and extremely dangerous to encounter. It is a
remarkable circumstance in their history, that they are generally
provoked to attack at the sight of red, or any very bright and glaring
colour.

[Illustration:

_a._ Cervical vertebrae.
_b._ Dorsal vertebrae.
_c._ Lumbar vertebrae.
_d._ Sacrum.
_e._ Caudal vertebrae, or coccygeal bones.
_f._ Ribs.
_g._ Costal cartilages.
_h._ Scapula.
_i._ Humerus,
_k._ Radius.
_l._ Ulna
_m._ Carpus, or knee.
_n._ Large metacarpal, or cannon.
_pp._ Sesamoid bones.
_qq._ Phalanges.
_r._ Pelvis.
_s._ Femur.
_t._ Patella.
_u._ Tibia.
_v._ Rudimentum fibulae.
_w._ Hock and tarsals.
_x._ Large metatarsal.
_y._ Small metatarsal.

1. Inferior maxilla (lower jaw).
2. Superior maxilla (upper jaw).
3. Anterior maxilla
4. Nasal bone.
5. Frontal.
6. Parietal.
7. Occipital.

Skeleton of Domestic Ox, from a specimen in the Royal College of
Surgeons.]

THE OX TRIBE

OR

_Genus_ BOS,

Is distinguished from other Genera of Ruminantia by possessing hollow
persistent horns, growing on a bony core; the tail long, terminated by a
tuft of hair;