THE CHAMOIS 



Head of Chamois shot by Mr. R. K. Cross. 



The CHAMOIS (Rupicapra tragus). 



With the chamois we take leave of the antelopes properly so-called, 

 and come to a group connecting the former to a considerable extent 

 with the true goats, one member of the group being indeed commonly 

 designated the Rocky Mountain goat. Most of these ruminants are 

 more or less goat-like in general appearance, having narrow goat-like 

 molar teeth and short or moderately long tails. Their horns, which are 

 black in colour, are, however, quite distinct from those of the goats, 

 being for the most part cylindrical in section, and curving backwards. 

 From the other members of the group the chamois is at once dis- 

 tinguished by the sharp hook formed by the backward curvature of the 

 horns, which rise almost vertically from the head. The coloration is 

 too well known to need description, although attention may be 

 directed to the dark streak running from the eye to the side of the 

 muzzle. Height at shoulder reaching 32 inches; weight of male 



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