148 



Quadrupeds. 



wild places ; it delights in climbing precipices, and is 

 often seen reposing in peaceful security on rocks over- 

 hanging the sea. Nature indeed has in some measure 

 fitted it for traversing these eminences ; the hoof being 

 hollow underneath, with sharp edges, so that it can walk 

 as securely on the ridge of a house as on the level 

 ground. The flesh of the goat is seldom eaten ; but that 

 of the kid is esteemed a very delicate food, and is fre- 

 quently eaten on the Continent. In the East, the long 

 soft hair of the goat is used in making the beautiful 

 Cashmere shawls; and from the skin is manufactured 

 morocco leather. The skin of the kid is well known 

 for its use in making gloves. 



THE IBEX, OK BOQUETIN, (Capra Ilex,) 



Is a Wild Goat, which inhabits the Pyrenean moun-: 

 tains, the Alps, and the highest mountains of Greece. 

 He is of an admirable swiftness ; his head is armed with 

 two long, knotted horns, inclining backwards ; his hair 

 is rough, and of a deep brown colour. The male only 





