528 



numbers of horns I found in the cairns in Roopshoo Ladakh, it 

 would appear that the animal abounds in that country, although I 

 seldom saw it during my travels, and was unfortunate in not procuring 

 a specimen. The horns of individuals from different regions differ 

 much in size and curvature. This induced Mr. Blyth to consider 

 the Burrel found in the Borendo Pass as forming a distinct species 

 (vide P. Z. S. 1840, p. 68; Ann. Nat. Hist. 1841, vol. vii.p. 249). 



56. Moschus moschifertjs (Linn.). 



Custuree of Cashmere, where it is likewise known by the name 

 "Russr 



Generally distributed over the middle and lower regions of the 

 Western Himalayas, never found on the plains of India. The habits of 

 this species resemble the Ramoo in some respects ; only the former 

 is much more common. Never seen in herds, and seldom more than 

 two together. Being in great request on account of its musk, it is 

 surprising the little creature is not more uncommon. During 

 autumn, and when rutting, the musk is strong and most eagerly 

 sought after ; but in summer I could not discover, beyond a rank 

 offensive odour from the dark pigmentary substance which the bag 

 contains, even the trace of musk when the contents were tested by 

 smell. 



The Custuree frequents mountain-sides, where grassy ridges alter- 

 nate with little belts of forest or dense jungle. In the latter it 

 secretes itself by day, and at dusk or in the morning moves silently 

 across the bare ridges to feed. Its mode of progression is performed 

 by a series of jerking leaps, now and then stopping to reconnoitre, 

 or, having advanced a few steps, continues these fantastic-looking 

 movements. They are by no means shy, and seldom run any 

 distance when disturbed ; if chased into jungle, they seek the 

 densest part, and secrete themselves. They are never heard to utter 

 any sort of cry, even in the rutting-season, unless caught, when they 

 emit a series of loud and harsh screams. Its foot-prints are very 

 distinctive ; for, in addition, the two long hind toes form impressions 

 which at once betray its presence : in this way it is seldom difficult 

 to discover an individual, if the track is fresh ; for it is fond of re- 

 maining in one locality, and, like the Ramoo, dungs daily on the 

 same spots. There is considerable diversity in regard to the colour 

 of individuals, — so much so, that a casual observer seeing only skins 

 would be apt to conclude that there are many species ; but having 

 observed closely these differences, I conclude they are owing chiefly 

 to age and the nature of the localities they frequent. Indeed it is 

 seldom one finds two skins entirely alike. Some are very dark on 

 the upper parts, with black splashes on the back and hips ; under 

 parts white, or a dirty white. Others are of a yellowish-white all 

 over the upper parts, with the belly and inner sides of the thighs 

 white*. A brownish-black variety is common. Not a few had white 



* I have not been able to compare this variety with M. leucogaster, said to 

 be found in Ladakh, which is doubtful, as I do not think any species of Musk 

 Deer is found in Ladakh proper. 



