228 AFOOT THROUGH THE 



Of all the game animals in the valley, the splendid 

 varieties of wild goat are the most interesting, but to use 

 an Irishism, they are generally obtained outside the 

 limits of Kashmir in Astor, Chilas, and Baltistan. Still 

 good markhor are to be shot in the Pir Panjal and other 

 high grounds to the south-east, the finest heads having 

 been obtained on the Kaj-Nag, a record length of horns 

 being sixty-one inches. They are grand animals, and 

 will repay any one with strength and endurance to 

 follow him into the almost inaccessible fastnesses that 

 he inhabits, for all the fatigues and dangers of the stalk. 



The ibex was far more common, but the " kail," as 

 the people call them, are now generally sought for 

 further afield. They yield a far finer head than the 

 European variety, and, like most of the hill goats, have 

 an under hair valuable for making cloth. The " tahr " 

 (Hemitragus jemlaicus) is also occasionally met with in 

 the Pir Panjal, and is a grand-looking animal of some 

 two hundred and fifty pounds weight, with long, vener- 

 able beard ; but for those who can spare the time, it is 

 more satisfactory to go to other parts in search of them. 



Of the genus " cervus," the " barasingh " is by far 

 the handsomest and most representative species, though 

 it is rare for it to act up to its name (the twelve-horned), 

 ten tines being the usual number. During the hot 

 weather, relieved of its horns, it wanders high upon 

 the hillside, returning with new ones in the early 

 autumn. September and October are the best months 

 for securing them. There are State forests specially 

 preserved in the Wangat and at Trahal, and above 

 Atchibal. Their flesh is much valued, and the antlers 

 are a very impressive trophy. 



The musk deer is much sought after by reason of 



