native peaks. From May to September, its color does not really 

 change but becomes so shabby, as the fur is thinned for summer, 

 and so discolored by dirt that the whole creature takes on a red- 

 dish hue, and is little esteemed for its appearance. 



Formerly far more abundant than at present, the decrease of 

 its numbers at last called forth enough attention to demand legal 

 protection, but the law passed has proved too lenient and more 

 stringent measures must be taken if we are to save from extermi- 

 nation this unique animal. 



An interesting peculiarity of some of this species is noticed in 

 the horns, whose shape differ altogether from the typical circular 

 horn of the mountain sheep, as they start from the forehead in a 

 more outward curve, bending downward but still further out, and 

 ending in another outward, but upward turn. Although this sin- 

 gularity is well worth noting, these individuals present no other 

 marks of distinction and are not classed as a separate species. 



48 



