THE PROSli-UORX AXTBLOPB. 



65fi 



mammal of its size, l>eing nearly that of the elephant. It ban a gentle expression, rivalling the 

 gazelle in it.s winning awjHs-t. 



Long In-fni. tit,- tmtli \\as known to Science, hunter* luul observed that the honu of thin 

 animal were dropped, like those of the deer; yet no definite information WOM elicited or 



1" '- mti.-ld, of Calif,. nib, M *iit the information to the Smithsonian Institute, 



I. ut tli.- i -in urn-lam was HO contrary to the usual or known examples, tluit in. -|-cial interest 



a- U \\llkflKil 



In l&V.. Mi. Kartl.-tt. of tin- Ix.iidmi Zoological Gardens, att.-j-N-d tin- fart l.y actual 

 l>MTvatiou in M.. |wd,'n> In l-VI.Mi.nx I., II, .in- Id. Canii.-ld'- |..,|- i ^v;,^ pnfclkfctd, 'I'll-- 



OCKT MOUnTAQI OOAT.-.' 



creature has a hollow, deciduona horn, which envelops a persistent core, a process of the .skull. 

 This shell ia true horn, and ha the name general system of growth aa other horns, although it 



i^ , :iM :ill!Hi:i]l\ . lik.- alil'.-l- "f ,1"---I. 



It thus reveals an intermediate link between the two principal groups of hollow-horned 

 and solid-horned ruminunta. The lower portion of the horn only i- hollow this is quite flat, 

 but the point is round and becomes polished by wear. A singular charart.-ri-ti- is seen in the 

 presence of numerous cutaneous glands eleven in nnniU-r whi-h secrete a pungent odor. 

 Those below the ears, particularly, are potent. 



The flesh is much prized, having the reputation of being siij^-rior to .-ith'-r beef or venison. 

 In fleetness it is said t<> .-\.-.-l all other animals of the plains, but soon loses " wind." and is easily 

 captured. It is particularly gregarious. Canfield says it is remarkably salacious, exceeding 

 even the goat in this respect. 



The Prong-horn is easily tamed, and soon loses its shyness and timid action. In leaping 

 it makes enormous horizontal distances. In common with all tin* li<>Hn\v-)i<ini<-d ruminant-. 

 it'has a gall bladder, which is wanting in the deer family. The hair is quite unique in it- 

 stnirtun- : it is very light, each hair being a tube, flexible, and soft as velvet 



