844 



THE UNGULATES, OR HOOFED MAMMALS 



ground as markhoor, in other districts they frequent almost worse ground, and we 

 have known many instances where specimens have been completely smashed by fall- 

 ing down precipices after they were killed. After mentioning that the tahr resem- 

 bles the markhoor in its forest-loving habits, General Kinloch observes that ' ' although 

 it sometimes resorts to the rocky summits of the hills, it generally prefers the steep 

 slopes which are more or less clothed with trees. Female tahr may frequently be 

 found on open ground, but old males hide a great deal in the thickest jungle, lying 



THE HIMALAYAN TAHR. 



(One-eighth natural size.) 



during the heat of the day under the shade of trees or overhanging rocks, 

 Nearly perpendicular hills with dangerous precipices, where the forest consists of 

 oak and ringal-cane, are the favorite haunts of the old tahr, who climb with 

 ease over ground where one would hardly imagine that any animal could find a 

 footing. ' ' 



The old male tahr generally herd separately from the females during the sura- 

 er but about October the two sexes come together; and it is believed that the kids 

 x>rn in June and July, only a single one being produced at a birth 



