THE PERSIAN WILD GOAT 



THE PERSIAN WILD GOAT (Capra agagrus) 



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The Persian wild goat the paseng (rock-footed) of the Persians is a species 

 of especial interest as being the chief ancestral stock from which the various breeds 

 of domestic goats are derived. This species is characterized by the long scimitar- 

 like horns of the males, which are much compressed, with the front edge forming a 



THE PERSIAN WILD GOAT. 



(One- eighteenth natural size.) 



sharp keel, marked by irregular prominences and notches, while the hinder edge is 

 rounded, and the outer side more convex than the inner. Generally the tips of the 

 horns are inclined inward, although they are occasionally divergent. The horns of 

 the does are much smaller, with an even front edge. The male paseng has a small 

 beard on the chin; and in the winter coat the hair on the neck and shoulders is 

 rather longer than elsewhere; and at the same season in the colder portions of the 



