The Buffalo of Asia, Africa, and India is a magnificent animal. The horns of the Indian variety frequently measure as much as twelve feet from tip to tip. The strength of the animal is enormous, and its thick-set limbs are capable of great endurance. Its speed for its size and build is almost incredible. The buffaloes love water, and can always be found near swampy ground, where they roll themselves in the mud until their skin is thoroughly caked. This serves to keep off flies and mosquitoes. The temper of the buffalo is uncertain, as may be gathered from looking into its face, which always shows the same scowling ferocity. The hunting of this animal is very difficult, as its skin, which looks at a distance like rubber, is so tough that it will almost turn a bullet away. To kill a buffalo with a single shot is nearly impossible. Should the brute be only wounded, it will charge at once. When fairly roused its fury is frightful to behold. It tears up the ground with its horns and wreaks its vengeance upon the nearest thing at hand. Whether the buffalo is dealing with man or beast, it never leaves its victim until it has trampled every trace of life out of it. The great hunter, Sir Samuel Baker, mentions having seen a buffalo beat off a pair of lions which had attacked it. On another occasion he saw a buffalo pulled down by four lions, but only after a battle which lasted a couple of hours.
