NOTi:S ON MAMMALS FOUND IN THE SIMLA DISTRICT. 745 



It has been asserted that the Porcupine has the power of discharging 

 its quills with great force, but is not able to direct them, and it would be 

 interesting to know whether any naturalists have ever observed this 

 action ? 1 have been present at the deaths of several Porcupines, which 

 have been cornered by dogs, and brought to bay, and have certainly seen 

 them charge backwards, with erected spines, as related by Blanford, but 

 have never known these to be thrown at their foes. 



There is a very curious story prevalent in the United Provinces to the 

 effect that these animals carry water in the quills of their tails to their 

 young ! 



41. Lepus RtTFiCAUDATUs, Geoff. — The Common Indian Hare. 

 (Blanford No. 320.) 



(Simla Hill States = "Phuraroo " ; Kangra = ''Seru. ") 



In view of Wroughton's remarks in J. B, N. H. S., Vol. XXII, p. 57, I 

 feel somewhat doubtful about mentioning this species under the above 

 name, but all the specimens which 1 have procured in the hills here corres- 

 pond with Blanford's description. 



This Hare abounds in the submontane tracts, and penetrates into the 

 outer ranges as high as 6,000 feet. I have seen specimens, which had 

 been shot in the neighbourhood of Simla. 



It is generally found solitary. 



Mr. Johnstone remarks in epist. as regards its habits : 



" This Hare is most destructive to young wheat, barley, and gram, but 

 prefers nibbling " doob" grass to crops after a certain toughness of stalk 

 has been attained." 



" There is only one time of the year when it does not breed, and that is 

 during July. It produces two at a birth on an average every third week." 



Order— UN GULATA. 

 42. Elephas maximus, L. — The Indian Elephant. 

 (Blanford No. 332.) 

 The Elephant was formerly abundant in parts of the Sirmur State, where 

 it was sometimes captured. A few still occasionally visit the Doons of 

 that State for short periods. 



43. PsETJDOis nahura, Hodgs. — The Baval. 



(Blanford No. 346.) 



(Bashahr = '' Wa " ; Lahul = " Miatu" ; Tibetan = " Napoo ".) 

 This Sheep occurs in the Bashahr State, but keeps above elevations of 

 10,000 feet. 



Specimens with 25", — 26" horns are now considered good trophies. 

 In his excellent little book, " The Sportsman's Manual in Kulu, Lahaul, 

 etc.," 1907, Colonel K. H. Tyacke has given the maximum lengths of horns 

 of some Himalayan species of game which sportsmen are likely to 

 get at the present time, and it is difficult to dispute his figures. He 

 remarks : — 



" It may be laid down that the following are the limits to the sizes of 

 heads that any sportsman is likely to get, and if he succeeds in reaching 

 this limit, he may be esteemed very fortunate :— 



Ibex . . . . . . 50 inches. 



Tahr 14 „ 



Serow . . . . . . 12 „ 



Goral . . . . . . 9 „ 



Baral 26 „ 



Barking Deer . . . . 8 ,, 



