BUFFALO. The true buffaloes—which must be care fully distinguished from our American " buffalo" or bison—are natives of India and central and south ern Africa. The Indian buffalo is still to be found in wild herds, though as a rule it is domes ticated. It is larger and more powerful than the ox, and because of its great strength and its ability to labor in wet ground its services are very highly valued. It is a very interesting sight to see this huge creature at work in the rice fields, head low down and nose thrust forward, steadily pulling the awkward cultivator through the flooded muck. It is fond of water and will stand for hours with only its head above the surface. The usefulness of this animal has carried it into Egypt and some parts of southern Europe. It is a terrible fighter when aroused and can generally worst a tiger with ease. The water-buffalo or " carabao" of the Philippines is a smaller variety of this species.
The Cape buffalo is found in southern Africa and is larger and fiercer than the Indian buffalo. Instead of long horns curving outward and backward, the Cape buffalo has short flat horns so thickened at the base as to form a helmet-like mass which makes the fore head almost invulnerable. This type has never been domesticated and is considered one of the most dan gerous beasts of the jungle. Its skin is so tough that it is made into shields by the Kaffirs. Like the Indian type it is fond of water, and it frequents reedy swamps in large herds. A faithful bird friend, the buffalo bird, attends it everywhere, picks ticks from its hide, and gives warning at the approach of danger.
Scientific name of Indian buffalo, Bos bubalus; of the Cape buffalo, Bos cater. Asiatic buffaloes are distinguished from the African forms by having the hair on the forepart directed forward.