The zebu is an animal of the cow kind, and a native of India, and on
that account is often called the Indian ox. There are many varieties
of the zebu. Some of them are as large as our largest oxen. Others
when full grown are no bigger than a small calf. Its horns are short
and thick, and bent a little backwards; there is also a lump on the
shoulder, which makes it look clumsy. It is a very useful and docile
animal. In India it is used as a common beast of burden; it is also
made to draw light wagons, and is even used for riding.
The Zebu is found not only in India, but in China, Eastern Africa, and
the East India Islands. Figures representing the zebu are found on
some of the most ancient monuments of that country. The Brahmins
esteem the zebu a sacred animal; and for this reason it has received
the name of the Brahmin ox.
The picture below, shows several different kinds of zebus.
[Illustration]
[Illustration: MARMOT.]