MAMMALIA. 337 



ported on racks harnessed to the animal. The musk- 

 sheep (Ovtbos) (Fig. 360), or ox, as it is incorrectly called, 

 is confined to the Arctic region of North America. It is 

 a comparatively small animal, about the size of a cow, but 

 its long, brownish-black hair gives it a much larger appear- 

 ance. The horns are broad at the base, and bent down 

 upon the cheek, turning up again. They secrete a strong 

 musk, the flesh even being impregnated with the odor. 



FIG. 361. Chamois and ibex. 



They assemble in herds, and are becoming exceedingly 

 rare. At the end of the glacial period an allied form 

 roamed the Middle States. The Angora goat, Cashmere 

 goat, and ibex (Capra ibex) (Fig. 361), are allies. 



VALUE. Sheep's wool. One hundred thousand Persian lamb-skins 

 are used annually by the trade ; six hundred thousand Astrakhan, and 

 two million European. From the goats come mohairs, cashmeres, etc. 

 Fifteen million pounds of Angora wool alone is used annually in the 

 trade. The horns, hides, and hoofs are all valued. 



Antelopes. The antelopes are remarkable for their 

 speed and elegant forms. The goat-antelopes are repre- 

 sented in America by the mountain goat (Ap/cceros mon- 



