Notice the difference in the fore and hind quarters of this animal and the European representative of the same group. (See [page 216].)
The buffaloes of Ceylon are the same as those of India, but the horns are inferior in size. "The charge of a buffalo is a serious matter." says Sir Samuel Baker. "Many animals charge when infuriated, but they can generally be turned aside by the stunning blow of a rifle-shot, even if they be not mortally wounded. But a buffalo is a devil incarnate when it has once decided on the offensive; nothing will turn it. It must be actually stopped by death, sudden and instantaneous, as nothing else will stop it. If not killed, it will assuredly destroy its adversary. There is no creature in existence so determined to stamp the life out of its opponents, and the intensity of its fury is unsurpassed when a wounded bull rushes forward upon its last desperate charge. Should it succeed in overthrowing its antagonist, it will not only gore the body with its horns, but will kneel upon the lifeless form, and stamp it with its hoofs till the mutilated remains are beyond recognition."
Photo by York & Son] [Notting Hill.
CAPE BUFFALO.
Notice the striking difference depicted on this page between the two species of buffalo—the Indian and the Cape.
Photo by L. Medland, F.Z.S.] [North Finchley.
DOMESTICATED INDIAN BUFFALO.
This animal is found as a wild and domesticated species in India. It is valuable as a beast of draught and for the dairy.