i6o A NATURALIST IN WESTERN CHINA 



snowclad barrier ranges which, running almost due north and 

 south, are a feature of the Chino-Thibetan borderland. In 

 early summer Goa are found in small herds at elevations of 

 between 14,000 and 17,000 feet, in open moorland country 

 backed by perpetual snows. Later in the season the bucks 

 separate into parties of two to five head. Goa are wary 

 animals, difficult to detect when stationary, since their colora- 

 tion harmonizes closely with their surroundings. When fired 

 upon they generally run a short distance, then halt, and 

 commence to feed again. 



The summer colour of the head and back is grey (in winter 

 light fawn with a grizzly tinge) ; under-parts, white ; on the 

 buttocks the white area forms a large, conspicuous patch ; tip 

 of tail, black. The male has black horns, nearly erect for a 

 short distance, then curving sharply backwards, the extreme 

 points deflected upwards, with transverse ridges closely 

 crowded together. Horns 13 inches long are good specimens, 

 and above the average. These horns are commonly used by 

 muleteers to fasten the bit through in bridles for ponies and 

 mules. A full-grown Goa stands about 24 inches high at 

 shoulder ; the flesh is said to be good eating. 



CHIRU (THIBETAN ANTELOPE) 



This animal [Pantholops hodgsoni) scarcely enters the 

 region with which we are concerned. It is said to occur north 

 of Litang and in the Thibetan province of Derge, on the alpine 

 regions bordering the limits of vegetation. The horns of the 

 male are extremely handsome, being erect, slightly curved, 

 sub-lyTate, jet-black, 20 to 26 inches long, with very fine grain 

 and a number of bold, transverse ridges in front, smooth 

 behind. These horns are occasionally to be seen on sale in 

 Tachienlu. They are used to form the resting-fork on guns 

 of first-class workmanship, and every Thibetan of wealth and 

 property possesses one or more such guns. 



It is generally assumed (and with very good reason) that 

 this animal gave rise to the legend of the Unicorn. Among 

 the tribesfolk inhabiting the little-known region south of 

 Tachienlu down to Yunnan, the belief in the existence of the 



