GOATS. 



251 



less completely connected by intermediate forms like those represented in our 

 illustrations, they are now generally regarded as the extreme developments of one 

 very variable species. The horns of the varieties with a corkscrew-like twist are 

 the finest trophies yielded by any of the goats. 



According to General Kinloch, the male markhor may stand nearly 3 feet 

 8 inches at the withers, although an adult Gilgit specimen, measured by Col. J. 



THE MARKHOK, CABUL VARIETY (^ nat. Size). 



Biddulph, measured only 3 feet 2£ inches. The magnificent beard, extending in 

 the adult males on to the chest and shoulders, and sometimes reaching nearly to 

 the knees, is black in front and grey behind ; in the young bucks and the does 

 at all ages it is confined to the chin. The fur has but little or no pashm, and in 

 summer is of a reddish brown colour, but becomes grey in winter ; it is paler on 

 the under-parts, and the lower portions of the front of the legs have a dark stripe. 

 In summer the very old males become whitish all over; while the young are 

 uniformly greyish brown, except for a dark stripe along the back. Owing to the 



