This animal is seldom seen in Europe, but it is a common one in
Tartary, where it is a native. It is like a small ox in its size and
form, and has horns and hoofs. Like the ox it is used sometimes as a
beast of burden. Its colors are chiefly black and white. The hair is
long and rather curly, particularly at its tail. The Chinese make
ornaments out of the hair of the tails, which they dye various colors
and wear them in their bonnets. The Turks and Persians use the tails
as we do flags, for war-standards, which they call "horse tails."
The hump on the back of the yak, like that of the bison, is formed of
flesh, better flavored and more palatable than any other part of the
animal. Hence it is esteemed a great delicacy, and is much prized by
the natives of the countries where it is found.
[Illustration]
[Illustration: ZEBU.]