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When were these particulars collected?

Note on the mule breeds between the Yak and Cow in Thibet

For agricultural purposes the Thibetans find a cross between the Yak the reverse can be made and the Common Cow Bsoh=Right=Bsohn of the mountains— to be more serviceable than either of the pure stocks— for the labour of the plough especially— The crosses are chiefly made with the male Yak as the sire, & the Common Cow for the dam. The male produced in this instance is called— the male Bsoh: the female "Bsohn". hybrid daughter The "Bsohn" is then again crossed with the male Yak, the produce called— the male— "Gŭr" & the female— "Gurmoh" hybrid grand-daughter & pure cow. The Gurmoh is again crossed with the Yak and has a produce which returns in appearance great-grand daughter to the Yak, the Male of the breed is fertile & capable of propagation— the males of all the intermediate breeds being sterile either with pure parents or inter se. ???

The Thibetans do not practice raising a cross between the cow yak — and the common Bull. The reason given is that the inference of the country — as derived traditionally from their fathers was against it— & that where the cross had accidentally taken place the produce was inferior. (Hooker Travels)

The Yak— as compared with the common oxen is an irritable, uncertain-tempered animal,— impatient of long fatigue and does not take kindly to the plough. The above particulars are from notes taken at the time in the Country.

N. B. — in stating the cross to return to the yak it is merely meant to convey the opinion of the people, probably derived from the fact of the fertility of the third cross. — Yak (Q)

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The "Bsoh" is a larger animal than the Yak and more robust. The Gurmoh is smaller than the Beoh. Each of these crosses take after the Sire in the Bisonic form of the head— but has shorter hair— and the characteristic tail much less bushy. The Bsoh shews something of the dewlap— and longer limbs— and less compact build of the ox. The temper improves— and the eye which is fiery & restless in the Yak— becomes quieter.

So with Common Cattle (Little Thibet)

One reason of the breed is perhaps that the cross affords an animal more tolerant of heat on the one hand than the Yak— which suffers extremely at a low altitude in summer— and on the other hand hardier than the Common Cow— & able to sustain the severest cold— partaking thus of the good qualities of both originals.

The Yak browses freely on species of Artimesia which are abundant on the dry hills of Thibet— forming in many instances the only vegetable coat which the soil bears.

The Yak is chiefly used as a beast of burthen— and in the upper parts of Thibet it is ridden but travels at a very slow pace— The mules for draught in the plough— & the common cattle for their milk.

N. B. The mules which were seen of the Beohn, were also larger than the generality of the common cattle which were observed in the country.

In Thibet, mules are made from he-ass & she-horse.

The Yak — same as horse-tailed Buffalo