CHAPTER XXVI. 



THE SPIRAL-HORNED MARKHOOR. 



Capra Megaceros. 



In Kashmir and neighbouring states — Mdr-khur. 



Of all the trophies that an Indian sportsman can obtain, I think that none excels — or 

 perhaps equals — the head of an old Markhoor. 



He is undoubtedly one of the most majestic of all horned animals, and his appearance 

 is quite in keeping with the wildness and magnificence of the rugged mountains which he 

 inhabits. 



There are at least four well marked varieties of the Markhoor, which are easily recog- 

 nisable ; and even if all four have sprung from a common origin, I think that the two widely 

 differing races of the spiral-horned and straight-horned are now entitled to recognition as 

 distinct species. 



Under the head of spiral-horned, (Capra Megaceros), I would'include the Kashmir Mar- 

 khoor, found on the Pfr Panjal and Kaj-i'-Nag ranges ; and the Markhoor inhabiting Astor, 

 Gilgit, Chilas, and neighbouring provinces. 



I consider the Kashmir Markhoor the finest of all, his horns being flat and massive, and 

 rising in a fine open corkscrew form, with widely diverging tips, to a length of upwards of 

 five feet measured along the spiral, and with from three to four twists. The horns of the Gilgit 

 variety, on the other hand, although also broad and boldly sweeping, have a much more open 

 spiral, there being seldom more than one complete turn in their length. 



The straight-horned Markhoor (which has been distinguished as Capra Jerdoni) has also 

 two representatives, viz., the Markhoor found on the Sheikh Budi'n and neighbouring hills, 

 and that met with in Yusufzaie, the Khaibar, and other parts of Northern Afghanistan. 



The horns of both these varieties are rounded at the base and perfectly straight, but 

 with a spiral groove running along their entire length, looking as if they had been originally 

 smooth, but twisted when still in a soft and plastic condition. The Northern Afghanistan 

 horns may be distinguished from those of Sheikh Budi'n by their being heavier, longer, 

 and with a more marked twist : the animal moreover more nearly approaches the spiral- 

 horned race in size and general appearance. 



