In addition to the critical remarks on the writings of others, on this subject, which the reader will find in the following pages, I have further to observe that, although Pennant and Buffon have held a very high character, for many years, as scientific naturalists, the portion of their works which treats of the _Genus Bos_, appears to have been the result of the most careless and superficial observation. With the exception of the facts and observations furnished by such men as Daubenton and Pallas, Buffon's works are little more than flimsy speculations. As to Pennant's history of the Ox Tribe, it is calculated rather to bewilder than to inform; it is, in fact, an incoherent mass of dubious statements, huddled together in a most inextricable confusion: as a piece of Natural History it is absolutely worse than nothing. Goldsmith, Bewick, and Bingley, three of our most popular writers on Natural History, appear to have done little more than compile from Pennant and Buffon, and consequently are but little deserving of credit. These strictures apply exclusively to such portions of their works as relate to the Ox Tribe. TABLE OF CONTENTS. Page Introduction 1 American Bison 21 Aurochs 40 Yak 45 Gyall 51 Gayal 57 Domestic Gayal 68 Jungly Gau 71 Buffalo 75 Italian Buffalo 76 Manilla Buffalo 81 Condore Buffalo 84 Cape Buffalo 86 Pegasse 95 Gaur 97 Arnee 105 Zamouse 112 Musk Ox 115 Galla Ox 120 Zebu, or Brahmin Bull 125 Backeley Ox 133 African Bull 137 Chillingham Cattle 140 Kyloe, or Highland Ox 150 Table of the Number of Vertebrae 152 Table of the Periods of Gestation 153 Note on the Skeleton of the American Bison 154 APPENDIX. Page Free Martin 155 Short-nosed Ox 159 On the utility of the Ox Tribe to Mankind 160