THE STORY OF THE WILD GOAT. 



381 



the valleys, often to the villages. Far iipi* among the snow-covered heights 

 can be found the old bucks, who' disdain seeking shelter from the storms. 



When feeding or reposing, sentinels are placed in commanding positions 

 to apprise the flock of approaching danger, which they do by means of a loud 

 snort, upon which the whole company at once takes tO' flight. 



ALPINE WILD GOATS. 



Probably the most active of the wild goats is the pasang of Persia, from 

 which species the various breeds of domestic goats are derived. This species 

 has long scimitar-like horns, much compressed, with the front edge forming a 

 sharp keel. It frequents craggy and rocky districts, taking leaps of great 

 length with unerring precision. In spite of the constant persecution to which 



