298 



UNGULATES. 



downwards ; and the face has a small gland below the eye. The ears are small 

 and rounded ; and the tail is of moderate length. The lyrate horns are rather short, 

 completely ringed, and of an amber-yellow colour. In summer the general colour 

 of the upper-parts is tawny yellow ; but in winter, when the hair increases in 

 length, the tint is greyish, and, in fact, externally nearly white ; the face, under- 

 paid, and the lower surface of the tail are always white. The horns usually attain 

 a length of from 10 to 12 inches along the curve, but may be over 14 inches. 



The saiga is found in large herds, sometimes comprising sevei-al 

 hundred individuals during the summer, but these split up into small 

 parties in the winter ; the old males always remaining with the herds. According to 



Habits. 



the saiga (A nat. size). 



Pallas, some members of the herd keep watch while the others sleep. Although the 

 saiga, when first started, can run swiftly for a short distance, it soon becomes 

 blown. When caught young, these animals can be easily tamed, and will follow 

 their owners about like a dog. 



At the present day the range of the saiga embraces Southern 

 Russia and South - Western Siberia ; its headquarters being the 

 Kirghiz Steppes. A century ago the saiga extended, however, as far as the confines 

 of Poland ; and it is now gradually retreating towards the east of the Volga. In 

 summer the saiga wanders as far north as the districts inhabited by the reindeer ; 

 while in winter it migrates south, and thus comes in contact with the Persian 



Distribution. 



