THE WILD GOATS OF CASHMERE 



Horns up to 39f inches are recorded by 

 Rowland Ward, as also a single horn of 48^ 

 inches, but heads of 30 inches and over are worth 

 bagging. 



Rare as are large heads of markhor in the 

 localities inhabited by them which are open to 

 European sportsmen, the difficulties of the chase 

 of this fine animal are greatly enhanced by the 

 fact that not only does he inhabit the most 

 dangerous ground, but he delights, in Cashmere 

 at least, in precipices amidst rocky forests in which 

 it is extremely difficult to see him. 



Writing so long ago as 1883, with reference to 

 markhor shooting, Colonel Ward states that he 

 should consider himself "well repaid by obtaining 

 one fair shot for each fortnight on the shooting 

 ground." 



The Sheik Budin markhor, however, is far less, 

 difficult to find, since the hills which he inhabits are 

 practically destitute of forest ; but there, too, exists 

 plenty of ground so dangerous that, should the 

 markhor take to it, the sportsman cannot follow 

 them. 



The Astor markhor frequents open ground for 

 the most part, but very little of the country in- 

 habited by him is free to European sportsmen, and, 

 of course, Afghanistan also is impenetrable by any- 

 one who values his life. 



The sportsman who may desire to bag markhor 

 should read General Kinloch's and Colonel Ward's 

 books mentioned in dealing with ibex, and should 

 also bear in mind that only by the exercise of 



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