in zoology, of the genus Bos, a native of the interior parts of India. "It seems (says Bewick in his Hist. of Quadr.) to be of a middle nature between the cow and the deer, and carries the appearance of both in its form. In size, it is as much smaller than the one, as it is larger than the other: its body, horns, and tail, are not unlike those of a bull; and the head, neck, and legs, are similar to those of a deer. The colour in general is ash or grey, from a mixture of black hairs and white; all along the ridge or edge of the neck, the hair is blacker, longer, and more erect, making a short, thin, and upright mane, reaching down to the hump. Its horns are seven inches long, six inches round at the root, tapering by degrees, and terminating in a blunt point: the ears are large and beautiful, seven inches in length, and spread to a considerable breadth; they are white on the edge and on the inside, except where two black bands mark the hollow of the ear with a zebra-like variety. The height of this animal at the shoulder is four feet one inch; behind the loins, it only measures four feet.
"The female differs considerably from the male both in height and thickness, being much smaller; in shape and colour, very much resembling a deer; and has no horns. She has four nipples, and is supposed to go nine months with young: She commonly has one at a birth, but sometimes two.
"Several of this species were brought to this country in the year 1767, which continued to breed annually for some years after. Dr Hunter, who had one of them in his custody for some time, describes it as a harmless and gentle animal; that it seemed pleased with every kind of familiarity, always licked the hand that either stroked or fed it, and never once attempted to use its horns offensively. It seemed to have much dependence on its organs of smell, and sniffed keenly whenever any person came in sight: It did so likewise when food or drink was brought to it; and would not taste the bread which was offered, if the hand that presented it happened to smell of turpentine.
"Its manner of fighting is remarkable, and is described thus. Two of the males at Lord Clive's, being put into an inclosure, were observed, while they were at some distance from each other, to prepare for the attack, by falling down upon their knees; they then shuffled toward each other, keeping still upon their knees; and at the distance of a few yards they made a spring, and darted against each other with great force.
"The following anecdote will serve to show, that during the rutting season these animals are fierce and vicious, and not to be depended upon. A labouring man, without knowing that the animal was near him, went up to the outside of the inclosure; the nyl-gau, with the quickness of lightning, darted against the woodwork with such violence, that he broke it to pieces, and broke off one of his horns close to the root. The death of the animal, which happened soon after, was supposed to be owing to the injury he sustained by the blow.
"Bernier says, that it is the favourite amusement of the Mogul emperor to hunt the Nyl-gau; and that he kills them in great numbers, and distributes quarters of them to his omrabs; which shows that they are esteemed good and delicious food.
"The Nyl-gau is frequently brought from the interior parts of Asia, as a rare and valuable present to the nabobs and other great men at our settlements in India.
"It remains to be considered, whether this rare animal might not be propagated with success in this country. That it will breed here is evident from experience; and if it should prove docile enough to be easily trained to labour, its great swiftness and considerable strength might be applied to the most valuable purposes."