THE RUSSIAN EMPIRE 4^3 



for Instance, of Transylvania, but resembles more the Pyreneean 



izard. 



The tur {Capra caucasica) abounds on the higher ground in that 

 district, and is now also pursued by stalking. The largest herds 

 are to be found round Mounts Abago and Fisht, where ^^^ 

 the ground is kept comparatively quiet, and the pastures 

 afford capital grazing. Mount Abago raises its lofty snow-clad peak 

 in the heart of the Grand Duke Serge's preserves, at the very head 

 of the bison-frequented Kisha valley. It is the paradise of Capra 

 caucasica, and heads measuring over forty inches in length have been 

 secured here. This wild goat occurs all along the main range, up 

 to Mount Elburz, where it gives place to an intermediate race, 

 which, from the specimens I have seen, I believe to be hybrid 

 between C. caucasica and C. cylindricornis. Dr. Radde, with whom 

 I have often spoken on the subject, is inclined to agree with this, 

 The East Caucasian tur, or biirhch is to be found between Mount 

 Kasbek and Daghestan, where it still exists in great numbers. 

 Round Kasbek these animals are frequently disturbed by natives, 

 who shoot them in winter when they come down to the lower ground. 

 The village of Kobi consists almost entirely of professional hunters, 

 who pursue the animals with dogs in deep snow; the tur, being 

 heavier, has the disadvantage in the chase, and is thus easily brought 

 to bay. The wool, or undercoat, is very valuable, the hide is used 

 for straps or bridles and the horns for drinking-bowls. In Mingrelia 

 and Svanetia tur are plentiful. The Prince of Mingrelia owns large 

 tracts of country in the former place, and almost every year a three 

 days' drive takes place. The first two days hundreds of beaters 



