164 HUNTING ADVENTURES. 



close ; in winter iong and thick ; its color is yellowish grey, a 

 black streak extending along the spine ; the croup is white, as 

 are ako the under parts of the body, a dark tint abruptly dividing 

 the white from the general color above. The chin is bearded. 

 The Ibex stands two feet six or eight inches in height, and is 

 extremely active and vigorous. 



The chase of the Ibex is as arduous as that of the chamois, 

 the animal leading its pursuer, unless he can steal upon it 

 unawares with his rifle, a dangerous track over steep and rug- 

 ged mountain pinnacles, along the brink of precipices, and 

 over fearful chasms ; when at last hard pressed, the Ibex will 

 often turn upon its foe with impetuous rapidity, and hurl him 

 headlong down the steep rocks or abrupt precipices. 



The Ibex is vigilant and wary ; and it is only during the night 

 that it descends to pasture in the woods, but at sunrise again 

 repairs to the bleak mountain summits. Like the chamois, it is 

 satisfied with a frugal fare, and a scanty supply of water. It is 

 said that the old males seek more elevated spots than the females 

 and younger males, which are more easily to be obtained. The 

 only sound which the animal makes- is a short whistle, and when 

 irritated a snorting noise. In Europe, its favorite haunts are the 

 \lps, the Appenines, the Pyrenees, and the mountains of Tyrol 

 n Asia, it is found in the mountain chains of the Taurus. 



