/7"^- HABITS. 205 



selects those parrs of the desert where rivers and 

 springs abound. 



It is found in small herds from five to twenty, or 

 forty head, rarely collecting In large troops of several 

 hundred, and this only where the pasturage is good 

 and plentiful. Though a few of the old bucks, usu- 

 ally accompanying every herd, are more cautious 

 and experienced, the orongos generally are not wary 

 in their habits. In their flight the males follow the 

 herd as though to prevent straggling ; whilst \vith 

 the dzerens and kara-sultas this order is reversed. 

 When In motion, either leisurely or at full speed, the 

 orongo holds Its horns erect, w^hich adds greatly to 

 its appearance. When trotting — Its usual pace — the 

 legs move so quickly that at a distance they are 

 invisible, and dogs or wolves are soon left behind. 



We arrived In Tibet during the breeding season 

 of these animals, which begins late In November and 

 lasts a month. At this time the full-grown males ^ 

 are in a most excited state, taking little food and 

 soon losing the fat which they had gained during 

 summer. The buck soon forms his harem of ten to 

 twenty wives, and these he jealously guards lest any 

 of them should fall into the power of a rival. No 

 sooner does he see an adversary approaching than 

 he, the lawful lord of the herd, rushes to the en- 

 coimter with head lowered, uttering short deep 

 bleats. The combat is fierce, and the long sharp 



' The young bucks, with small horns, and in colour exactly resem- 

 bling the does, appear not to take part in this internecine warfare, but 

 hold themselves aloof in separate herds with the does, during the rut- 

 ting season. 



