^12 Game of Europe, W. & N. Asia & America 



ever have disappeared from regions apparently so well suited to its habits 

 as are Nortliern Asia and Alaska, there are no means of ascertaining. But 

 the date of its disappearance was probably by no means remote, compara- 

 tively speaking, and it is even possible that man himseU may have taken a 

 share in its extermination. However this may be, it is beyond doubt that 

 the musk-ox was an inhabitant of the south of England, as well as of parts 

 of France and Germany, during, or about the time ot, the glacial epoch ; 

 its remains occurring not uncommonly in the gravels of the English river- 

 valleys, such as those of the Thames and Severn, as well as in the brick- 

 earths of Kent. It is also probable that they occur in the " torest-bed " of 

 the Norfolk coast, which somewhat antedates the great glaciation of 

 Britain. 



This being so, it is evident that the musk-ox was a living British 

 animal within the period during which our islands have been inhabited by 

 man, for in many of the deposits in which its remains occur flint-imple- 

 ments and other evidences of human presence are likewise found. l-'robably, 

 indeed, the early human inhabitants of Britain not unfrequentlv made a 

 meal of musk-ox beef; but the disappearance of the animal from the 

 British fauna may apparently be attributed rather to a change in climatic 

 conditions than to pursuit by man.^ 



As regards the general characteristics of the musk-ox, a very few lines 

 will suffice, as the reader who requires a more detailed description mav 

 refer to IV/7J O.vr//, S/irrp, and Goats of All Lands. In size the animal may 

 be compared to a rather small and heavily-built Kerry cow. The neck is 

 short, the muzzle, with the exception of a naked triangular space between 

 the nostrils, is clothed with hair, and there are small glands on the face 

 below the eyes. The rudimentary tail is completely concealed among the 

 long hair of the hind-quarters. On each foot the two broad main hoofs are 



' The foregoing paragraphs tormcd the commencement of an article published in Knowledge for June 

 1900. 



