I 82 Game of Europe, W. & N. Asia & America 



reached. In the same communication the author Hkewise points out how 

 the horns of chamois differ according to the age of the animals to which 

 they belong. In an animal of the hrst year the horn is smooth and curved, 

 and about a couple of inches in length ; this, of course, forming the tip of 

 the horn of the adult animal. In the second year another portion, partly 

 curved and slightly bent, with a length of about three inches, is added at the 

 base ; the half of this portion, which is straight, being marked by fine 

 transverse stria>. In the third year a shorter basal portion, about an inch 

 long, is added ; while in the fourth, hfth, and sixth years the added basal 

 part gradually diminishes in length. In subsequent years the annual 

 growth is only about half or a quarter of an inch. Meantime the smooth 

 tip of the horn becomes somewhat shortened by wear and tear. The 

 whole length of the long portion of the horn is marked by the aforesaid 

 fine transverse striiE, but the annual limits of growth are indicated by more 

 pronounced lines. 



In most parts of the Alps chamois are found in herds numbering not 

 more than about fifteen or twenty head, and frequently in much smaller 

 parties, but, as already mentioned, in the Caucasus herds of thirty, or even 

 more, are by no means uncommonly seen. As regards their general habits 

 chamois are very similar to ibex, commencing to teed at the first break of 

 dawn, reposing for some hours in a sheltered position during the middle of 

 the day, and once more wandering forth to feed towards evening ; their 

 food consisting to some extent of lichens, but apparently including herbage 

 of several descriptions. During the time the herd is feeding or reposing a 

 sentinel is posted on some commanding position — frequently a bare pinnacle 

 of rock — to give notice to the rest of the approach of danger, which is 

 effected by a shrill whistle. When this warning sound is heard the 

 members of the flock instantaneously seek safety in flight. 



Chamois stand upon the whole surface of their hoots, like goats, and 

 not merely upon their extreme tips like the African klipspringer. Hence 



