ITS EXTRAORDINARY JUMPS. 15? 



species selects the wildest and most inaccessible crags 

 of the alpine zones for its habitation. Here they 

 may be found single or in pairs ; during the whole 

 of the day they hide in the most secluded spots, 

 from which they will not stir till the hunter is close 

 to them. 



Towards evening they emerge from their retreats 

 and feed during the whole of the night and for an 

 hour or two after sunrise, when they again repair to 

 their coverts. Their favourite and almost exclusive 

 grazing-places are the alpine meadows, especially 

 the small grassy plots among the rocks. Before 

 entering them and during the feeding time they 

 will often climb to the summit of a hill or ledge of 

 rock, and remain there for a long while to assure 

 themselves of safety. 



They return to the same place over and over 

 again, as we could tell by the large heaps of their 

 droppings collected in these spots. When stationary, 

 as well as when on the move, they swing their long 

 black tails from side to side, and while grazing utter 

 a low, short cry. The mountain antelope is a most 

 timid animal ; when alarmed it seeks safety in rapid 

 flight, and will leap down deep ravines when hard 

 pressed. I once saw one, on suddenly perceiving 

 me, jump from a rock 100 feet high, and go away 

 apparently unharmed. It was curious to see the 

 swifts, which build their nests in the sides of the 

 cliffs, pursue the animal in its descent. The sound 

 of its hoofs as it alighted was like a dull heavy blow 

 on the rocks. Its legs are thick in comparison with 



