The ox is very much like the bull and the cow in form, size, and
color, and lives in the fields as they do. As soon as he is large
enough, he is made to work for man; he draws the plough and the wagon,
and in old times used to tread out the corn, instead of thrashing as
people do now. He is not so wild or fierce as the bull, but its flesh
and hide are as useful to us. The ox's foot is of a horny substance,
and is called a hoof, like that of the bull and the cow. It is not
like the horse's hoof, because it is separated in two. The horns of
the ox are made into combs, drinking cups, handles for knives, and
other things. The blood of the ox is very useful, and when boiled with
brown sugar it helps to make it white. The blood also makes a blue
dye. Boys should not tease an ox, or throw stones at him. Sometimes
they turn on their tormentors, and gore them with their horns.
[Illustration]
[Illustration: PORCUPINE.]