HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 93 



The Wood-Goat is somewhat more than two feet 

 and a half high, of a dark brown colour, in some 

 parts bordering upon black : on each cheek-bone 

 there are two large round white spots; another, 

 still larger, occupies the fore part of the neck, 

 somewhat below the top of the \vindpipe ; and 

 several smaller white spots are scattered over the 

 haunches : a narrow line of white hair extends from 

 the neck all along the back and tail, but is not 

 easily distinguished, being hid by the length of the 

 dark brown hairs on the top of the back, which are 

 three or four inches long, so as to form a kind of 

 mane : the hair on the head is very short and fine ; 

 in other parts of the body it is longer, resembling 

 that of Goats: its tail is not more than a finger's 

 breadth in length, covered with long hairs, which 

 extend down the hind part of the thighs and but- 

 tocks; the legs and feet are slender; the fetlock 

 joints are likewise small; the nose and under lip, 

 which are white, are decorated with black whiskers 

 about an inch long. 



As this animal runs but slowly, it is sometimes 

 caught with Dogs. When it finds there is no other 

 resource, it boldly puts itself into a posture of de- 

 fence; and when going to butt, kneels down, and 

 in that position sells its life at a very dear rate, 

 killing and goring some of the best and most spirit- 

 ed Hounds. It carries its head straight forward 

 whilst it runs, laying its horns upon its neck, to 

 prevent their being entangled in the bushes. The 

 female is without horns; and, being lighter than 

 the male, runs more freely through the forests, and 

 is not so easily caught. Her breast is said to be 

 very plump : but the flesh of this animal is not very 

 tender. 



