THE bison, which is another variety of the bull kind, differs from the rest in having a hump between the shoulders. At first view, this animal exhibits somewhat of the appearance of a lion; having a small head, red fiery eyes, a furious aspect, a long shaggy mane, and a beard under his chin. The forehead is very broad; and the horns are placed so far asunder, that three men might sit between them: on the middle of the back is a lump, almost as high as that of the camel, and considered by the Indians as a most delicious article of food.

These animals are so wild and ferocious, that there is no pursuing them with safety, except in forests where there are trees large enough to conceal the hunters; they are, therefore, generally taken in pit-falls, covered with boughs of trees and grass, where they are easily overcome and slain. They commonly range in droves, feeding in the open savannahs morning and evening: and reposing during the sultry part of the day on the shady banks of rivulets or streams of water. Sometimes they leave so deep an impression of their feet in the moist sand, as to be thus traced and shot by the Indians; but on these occasions, the utmost precaution is requisite; since their sense of smelling is extremely acute, and when slightly wounded, they become perfectly infuriate.

Bisons, however, may easily be made subservient to the will of man, and, such is their expertness and docility, even bend their knees to take up or set down the the burdens they are employed to carry.

IF we compare the shape of our common ox with that of the buffalo, no two animals can be more nearly alike; both are equally submissive to the yoke, and are employed in the same domectic services; yet such is their natural antipathy to each other, that were there but one of each kind, the race of both would probably become extinct.

The buffalo, upon the whole, is by no means so beautiful an animal as the ox; the figure is more clumsy and awkward, the limbs less fleshy, and the tail more naked of hair; the head is smaller, the aspect wilder, and the horns have a bunch of black hair hanging down between them. The flesh is also black, ill flavoured, and of a disagreeable smell.

The milk of these quadrupeds, though very inferior to that of our cows, is produced in large quantities; and in warm countries, it is made into butter and cheese; the veal of the young animal is not better eating than the flesh of the old; and, in fact, the hide of the buffalo seems to be the most valuable thing he furnishes; as the leather made of it is justly famed for its thickness, softness, and impenetrability.

Although these animals are principally found in the torrid zone, they are also bred in several parts of Europe, particularly in Italy, where they constitute the food and the wealth of many of the lower classes. In general they are tolerably inoffensive; but when wounded or otherwise exasperated, they tear up the earth with their fore feet, bellow more terribly than the bull, and make at the ob ject of their resentment with ungovernable fury.

THE ELEPHANT.

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THE elephant is seen from seven to fifteen feet high; and at first view, presents the spectator with an enormous mass of flesh, that seems scarcely animated. Its huge body, covered with a callous hide, without hair; its large misshapen legs, that seem scarcely formed for motion; its little eyes, pendulous ears, and long trunk, all concur to give it an air of extreme stupidity. But our prejudices soon subside on examining its history; and our astonishment is excited while we consider the various advantages it derives from so clumsy a formation.

The eyes of this animal are very small, when compared with the enormous bulk of the body; but though their minuteness may at first appear deformed, on a more careful examination they are seen to exhibit a variety of expression, and to discover the various sensations by which they are moved.

The elephant is not less remarkable for the excellence of its hearing.-Its ears are extremely large, and usually pendent; but can be raised and moved with perfect facility, and serve to wipe the animal's eyes, as well as to protect them from flies, dust, and other annoyances. It appears delighted with music, and readily learns to move in measure, and even to join its voice to the sound of the drum or trumpet.

This quadruped's sense of smelling is not only exquisite, but it is, in a great measure, pleased with the same odours that delight mankind. The elephant gathers flowers with great pleasure and attention, unites them into a nosegay, and seems charmed with their perfume.

But it is in the sense of touching that this animal excels all others of the brute creation, and perhaps even man himself. The organ of this sense lies wholly in the trunk, which is, properly speaking, only the snout lengthened out to a great extent, hollow like a pipe, and terminating in two openings, or nostrils, like those of a hog. This fleshy tube is capable of being moved in every direction; and at the very point of it, just above the nostrils, there is an extension of the skin, in the form of a finger, and which, in fact, answers all the purposes of one; for, with the rest of the extremity of the trunk, it is capable of assuming different forms, and consequently of being adapted to the minutest objects. By means of this, the elephant can take a pin from the ground, untie the knots of a rope, unlock a door, and even write with a pen. Hence this instrument appears to be useful in most of the purposes of life; it is an organ of smelling, of touching, and of suction; and not only conduces to the animal's comforts, but also serves for its ornament and defence.

The enormous tusks of this animal, being unserviceable for chewing, may be considered only as weapons of defence. They are two in number, proceeding from the upper jaw, and become so extremely heavy as the animal grows old, that it is sometimes obliged to make holes in the sides of its stall, to rest them in, and ease itself of the fatigue of their support.

It is worthy of remark, that although the elephant is the strongest as well as the largest of quadrupeds, in a state of nature it is neither fierce nor formidable. Mild, peaceable, and brave, it never abuses its power, and only uses its strength for its own protection, or that of its community. In its native deserts, the elephant is rarely seen alone, but appears to be a friendly social creature. oldest of the company conducts the band; that which is next in seniority brings up the rear; the young, the weak and the sickly, fall into the centre.

The

When once taken from the forest and brought under the dominion of man, the elephant becomes the most gentle and obedient of all animals. It soon conceives an attachment for the person that attends it; caresses him, obeys

him, and even seems to anticipate his desires. All its mo. tions are regulated, and its actions seem to partake of its magnitude; being grave, majestic, and secure. It is quickly taught to kneel down, to receive its rider. It suffers itself to be arrayed in harness; and draws either chariots, cannon, or shipping, with surprising perseverance and docility; provided that it be not beaten without a cause, and that its master appears pleased with its exertions; otherwise, if ill treated, he becomes furious and destructive.

THE rhinoceros is usually found about twelve feet long, and from five to seven feet high, and the circumference of its body is nearly equal to its length. It is difficult to convey an accurate idea of this animal's shape, and yet there are few so remarkably formed. Its head is furnished with a hard and solid horn, projecting from the snout, sometimes above three feet in length; and were it not for this, that part would resemble the head of a hog; the upper lip, however, is much longer in proportion, and very pliable, serving to collect its food, and deliver it into the mouth: the ears are large, erect, and pointed, and the eyes small and piercing. The skin is naked, rough, and so extremely thick and hard, as to turn the edge of a scimitar, or to resist a musket ball; it is of a dirty brown colour, and lies upon the body in folds, after a very peculiar manner. The belly hangs low; the legs are short, strong, and thick; and the hoofs are divided into three parts, each pointing forward.