The udder of Bubalus is said to have four mammæ; they are not stated to be in a square, but, on examination, I find they are so; the udder of Taurus has likewise four teats in a square.
Thirteen pairs of ribs are set down as a distinguishing character of the sub-genus Taurus; but the Cape Buffalo, Domestic Buffalo, and the Manilla Buffalo (in the sub-genus Bubalus), and the Gaur (in the sub-genus Bison), all possess thirteen pairs of ribs.
In the sub-genus Bison the tail is said to be shorter than the tail of Bubalus; but on subjecting them to the infallible test of feet and inches, I find the tails of the Aurochs, Gaur, Yak, and Gayal, to be decidedly longer than those of the Cape or the Manilla Buffalo.
The legs of Bisons are stated to be more slender than those of Buffaloes,—the reverse of this is the fact in the instances which I have had an opportunity of observing.
SPECIFIC DETAILS.
The details of a system of scientific classification should be precise, methodical, and consistent; but the method observed by Col. Smith, in describing the lengths of animals, can scarcely be called either precise or consistent; for example, he states:—
1st. That the Cape Buffalo is nine feet from nose to root of tail.
2d. That the Gaur is twelve feet long to the end of tail.
3d. That the Aurochs is ten feet three inches from nose to tail.
4th. That the Domestic Buffalo is eight feet six inches long, without mentioning either nose or tail.