Ovls. 437 
oorial conceal themselves a good deal, retiring to the most secluded 
places, but often coming down to feed in the evening on the crops 
surrounding the villages. Where not much disturbed, they will stay all 
day in the neighbourhood of their feeding grounds, and allow sheep 
and cattle to feed amongst them without concern ; but where they have 
been much fired at they usually go a long distance before settling 
themselves for the day. They are generally found on capital ground 
for stalking, the chief drawback being the stony nature of the hills, 
which renders it difficult to walk silently. When fired at, oorial usually 
go leisurely away, stopping to gaze every now and then, so that several 
shots may often be fired at one herd.” 
Dr. Leith Adams says regarding it, that it “frequents bleak and 
barren mountains, composed of low ranges intersected by ravines and 
dry river courses, where vegetation is scanty at all seasons, and goats 
and sheep are seldom driven to pasture. It is found in small herds, 
and, being fond of salt, is generally most abundant in the neighbourhood 
of salt mines. Shy and watchful, it is difficult to approach, and possesses 
in an eminent degree the senses of sight and smell. It is seldom seen 
in the day-time, being secreted among rocks, whence it issues at dusk to 
feed in the fields and valleys, returning to its retreat at daybreak. 
““When suddenly alarmed the males gives a loud shrill whistle, like 
the ibex. ‘This is an invariable signal for the departure of the herd, 
which keeps moving all the rest of the day until dusk. Their bleat is 
like that of the tame species ; and the males fight in the same way, but 
the form of the body and infra-orbital pits simulate the deer, hence it is 
often called the ‘ deer-sheep.’ It equals the deer in speed and activity. 
The female gestates seven months. The rutting season is in September.” 
According to Captain Hutton the flesh is good and well-flavoured, 
“while the horns are placed as trophies of success and proofs of skill 
upon tombs and temples.” 
This sheep has bred in the Gardens of the Zoological Society in 
London. (Sze notes to Ooral in Appendix C.) 
No. 444. Ovis BLANFORDII. 
Blanford’s Wild Sheep. 
Hasirat.—Central hills of Khelat. 
DeEscrIPTION.—The horns of this species are longer and more slender 
than those of Ovis Vignei, O. cycloceros, or O. Gmelint. Mr. Hume says 
(‘J. & S. BY 1877, p. 327): ‘‘ In all these three species, as far as I can 
make out, each horn lies in one plane, whereas. in the present species 
. the horn twists out in a capital-S fashion. ‘There is, in fact, much the 
same difference between the horns of the present species and of O. 
cycloceros, that theré is between those of O, Karelenit and O. Hodgsont. 
