AGILE DWELLERS OF MOUNTAIN AND PLAIN. 197 



4. The chamois of the Alpine mountains, though like 

 the goat in appearance, is a true antelope. A short, sud- 

 den turn backward of the 



tips of its horns distin- 

 guishes it from all other 

 antelopes. Attached to its 

 hind-feet are false hoofs, 

 which render efficient aid 

 to this animal when it 

 descends precipitous rocks. 

 With these hoofs it hitches 

 and catches on every irreg- 

 ularity of rock or shrub in 

 its downward slide. It does 

 not hesitate to leap down 

 an almost perpendicular 

 precipice of twenty or thir- 

 ty feet. 



5. " They are keen of scent, shy, and vigilant. When 

 the herd either feeds or reposes, one of the number is 

 posted on some rock to leeward of them to give warning 

 of approaching danger, and his instant shrill whistle is re- 

 peated by all, the younger ones escaping to windward, 

 while some skip in great agitation from rock to rock to 

 reconnoitre till they are reassured or move off, always, if 

 possible, in ascent toward the most inaccessible cliffs. If 

 the hunter pursues them until one is driven to some point 

 from which there is no retreat, it is said that it will pitch 

 itself down upon its foe and dash him into the abyss be 

 low." 



6. The gazelles, with incurved, lyre-shaped horns, are 

 described as " easily recognizable by their large, round 

 black horns, and equally remarkable for the lightness of 

 their form and the elegance of their proportions. They 



The Chamois. 



