| Ft. | In. | Ft. | In. | |
| From tip to tip round the outer edge and across the forehead | 6 | 2 | 6 | 11 |
| Across the sweep | 2 | 9 | 3 | 2½ |
| Circumference at base | 1 | 7 | 1 | 5 |
| Between tips | 1 | 7 | 1 | 10½ |
The following careful measurements are recorded by Mr. Blyth ('J. A. S. B.,' vol. xi., 1842, p. 588), and were furnished to him by Lieut. Tickell from the recently-killed animal, in order to assist in the setting up of the specimen in the Asiatic Museum:—
| Ft. | In. | |
| A string passed along the back to root of tail | 8 | 8½ |
| From frontal ridge to tip of muzzle | 2 | 0 |
| Horns apart anteriorly at base | 1 | 0½ |
| Tip to tip of horns | 2 | 3¼ |
| From nose to centre of eye | 1 | 0¾ |
| Eye to root of horn | 0 | 4¼ |
| Eye to base of ears | 0 | 6 |
| Humerus, &c. | 1 | 11¼ |
| Radius | 2 | 8 |
| Metacarpus | 0 | 9¾ |
| Pastern, &c., and hoof | 0 | 7¼ |
| Pelvis | 1 | 4½ |
| Femur | 1 | 7¼ |
| Tibia and fibula | 1 | 10 |
| Metatarsus | 1 | 4 |
| Pastern to end of hoof | 0 | 7½ |
| Height perpendicularly, about | 5 | 9 |
| Length of dorsal ridge | 2 | 5½ |
| Tail, root to tip of hairs | 3 | 1¾ |
| Circumference of head behind horns | 3 | 11 |
| Circumference of neck behind ears | 4 | 0½ |
| Circumference of chest | 8 | 8 |
| Circumference of muzzle | 1 | 9¼ |
| Circumference of forearm close to axilla | 1 | 11¼ |
| Circumference of thigh close to body | 3 | 0¾ |
| Circumference of thigh close above hock | 1 | 6 |
I feel tempted to let my pen run away with me into descriptions of the exciting scenes of the past in the chase of this splendid creature—the noblest quarry that the sportsman can have, and the one that calls forth all his cunning and endurance. As I lately remarked in another publication, I know of no other animal of which the quest calls forth the combined characteristics of the ibex, the stag and the tiger-hunter. Some of my own experiences I have described in 'Seonee;' but let those who wish to learn the poetry of the thing read the glowing, yet not less true pages of Colonel Walter Campbell's 'Old Forest Ranger;' and for clear practical information, combined also with graphic description, the works of Captain J. Forsyth and Mr. G. P. Sanderson ('The Highlands of Central India' and 'Thirteen years among the Wild Beasts').
The gaur prefers hilly ground, though it is sometimes found on low levels. It is extremely shy and retiring in its habits, and so quick of hearing that extreme care has to be taken in stalking to avoid treading on a dry leaf or stick. I know to my cost that the labour of hours may be thrown away by a moment of impatience. In spite of all the wondrous tales of its ferocity, it is as a rule a timid, inoffensive animal. Solitary bulls are sometimes dangerous if suddenly come upon. I once did so, and the bull turned and dashed up-hill before I could get a shot, whereas a friend of mine, to whom a similar thing occurred a few weeks before, was suddenly charged, and his gun-bearer was knocked over. The gaur seldom leaves its jungles, but I have known it do so on the borders of the Sonawani forest, in order to visit a small tank at Untra near Ashta, and the cultivation in the vicinity suffered accordingly.
Hitherto most attempts to rear this animal when young have failed. It is said not to live over the third year. Though I offered rewards for calves for my collection, I never succeeded in getting one. I have successfully reared most of the wild animals of the Central provinces, but had not a chance of trying the bison.
[NO. 465. GAVÆUS FRONTALIS.]
The Mithun or Gayal.
NATIVE NAMES.—Gayal, Gavi or Gabi, Gabi-bichal (male), Gabi-gai (female); Bunerea-goru in Chittagong and Assam; Mithun.
HABITAT.—The hilly tracts east of the Brahmaputra, at the head of the Assam valley, the Mishmi hills, in hill Tipperah, Chittagong, and then southwards through Burmah to the hills bordering on the Koladyne river.