mm 



CHAMOIS. — li(ipicaj)ra Ti'(i<jai<. 



GoAT-LiKK in aspect, and many of its habits, the Chamois is often sii[)|)osed to 

 belong to tlic goats rather than to the Antelopes. 



It is, however, a trne Antelope, and may be readily distingnished from any of 

 its relations by the pecnliar form of its horns, which rise straight from the top of 

 the head for some inches, and then suddenly curve backwards, so as to form a 

 pair of sharp hooks. 



It is an inhabitant of the lofty mountain ranges of Switzerland and some other 

 parts of Europe, and is remarkable for tlic manner in which it can ascend and 

 descend the most terrible precipices, seeming quite at its ease Avhei'C any other 

 creature would be dashed to pieces. The celebrated Chamois Ilmiters are 

 accustomed to follow this animal over the mountains, and undergo the greatest 

 hardships in pursuit of these active game. 



The food of the Chamois consists of the various herbs which grow upon the 

 mountains, and in the winter season it finds its nourishment on the buds of smulry 

 trees, mostly of an aromatic nature, such as the fir, pine, and junipcr- 



11)3 



