520 . DESCRIPTION OF A SPECIES 



* The Gayal (Mr. P^liot writes from Tipura^) is 

 little known to the natives here ; it is principally 

 considered as an inhabitant of the Chatgaon hills. 

 In conversation with people belonging to the 

 Raja ofTipiira, on the subject of this animal, I have 

 understood, that it is known in the recesses of 

 the more eastern part of the Tipura hills, but 

 has never been caught. In the past year, some 

 of these animals were seen in a herd of elephants, 

 and continued some time with the herd : but 

 they were alarmed by the noise used in driving 

 the elephants, and escaped being secured in the 

 fenced enclosure. The K'htda of that season was 

 nearly five hours journev from the skirts of the 

 hills. 



' The animal is found wild, but is easily domes- 

 ticated, though, in this state, he essentially par- 

 takes of wild habits. I have some Gaydls at 

 Munnamutty ; and, from their mode of feeding, I 

 presume, that they keep on the skirts of the val- 

 lies, to enable them to feed on the sfdes of the 

 mountain, where they can browse. They will not 

 touch grass, if they can find shrubs. 



* While kept at Camerlah, which is situated in 

 a level country, they used to resort to the tanks, 

 and eat on the sides ; frequently betaking them- 

 selves to the water, to avoid the heat of the 

 sun. However, they became sickly, and ema- 

 ciated ; and their eyes suffered much. But, on 

 being sent to the hills, they soon recovered, and 

 are now in a health}^ condition. They seem 

 fond of the shade ; and are observed in the hot 

 weather to take the turn of the hills, so as to 

 be always sheltered from the sun. They do not 

 wallow in mud like buffaloes; but delight in 

 water, and stand in it, during the greatest heat 



