ding to the country in
which it is found. It is the Dziggetai, and the Wild Ass of Cutch, and
also the Yototze of the Chinese; but it is very probable that all these
are the names of different species. It is further probable, that there
exist several other species of wild asses in the Thibetian and Tartar
countries of Asia--and also in the vast unknown territories of
North-eastern Africa--yet to be classified and described; for it may be
here observed that a monograph of the horse tribe alone, fully
describing the different species and breeds, would occupy the whole life
of a naturalist.

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN.

THE OX TRIBE.

Our common domestic cattle furnish the type on which this family is
founded; and it is well-known that of this type there are many varieties
in different countries. Even in our own, so many are there, that a mere
list of their names would fill one of our pages. We shall refrain
therefore from giving any description of the different varieties--simply
remarking that they are all supposed to spring from one original. This
is, to say the least, a very doubtful hypothesis, since cattle have been
found domesticated in many countries, and the period of their first
introduction to the society of man is altogether unknown. It is far
more likely that different species have furnished the varieties now
known as domestic cattle.

We shall proceed to describe the other bovine animals--which, although
of the same family, are beyond doubt of a distinct species from the
common cattle.

The _Zebu_ is one of the most remarkable. Its home is India and the
adjacent regions; where it branches off into almost as many varieties as
there are breeds of our own oxen. These varieties have different names;
and they differ in size, shape, and other particulars; but the hump and
long hanging dewlap render the zebu easily recognisable.

In India they are sometimes employed as beasts of the saddle and
draught; and their flesh is also eaten, though with the exception of the
hump (which is esteemed a great delicacy) it is not equal to English
beef. Among the Hindus the zebus are regarded as sanctified creatures;
and to slaughter them is deemed sin. For all that, these fanatics do
not hesitate to _work_ them--sometimes hard enough. There are some
zebus, however, that are considered more holy than common. These may be
seen wandering idly about the villages, fed from the hands of the
people; and if neglected in this