310 BIG GAME SHOOTING 



small ears, his powerful back and quarters, and his dignified 

 carriage. Alas ! it is all looks ! His smell is something fear- 

 ful, and manners he has none. Ibex and burrel can be trusted, 

 when they are lying down after their morning feed, at all 

 events not to move far ; but markhor, no. You may watch a 

 flock feeding till late in the morning, and they will lie down 

 comfortably, apparently for the day ; you begin your stalk with 



The Astor markhor 



everything in your favour ; suddenly there is a clatter of stones 

 and a cloud of dust, you peep over a spur, and see the whole 

 flock galloping wildly down the hill. After going half a mile, 

 they probably pull up, begin feeding again, and again stretch 

 themselves out on the ground as if nothing had happened. 

 This little manoeuvre probably necessitates your climbing pain- 



