446 UNGULATA. 



in tracts where even these precursors of civilized man do not linger. 

 Pallas remarked that after the appointment of guards on the Russian 

 frontier, the herds of Kulans became more rare, and to-day they are 

 driven still further back, but are far from extirpated in the Russian 

 dominions. They may be seen close to the frontier of Europe, and on 

 the east and south of Siberia and Turkestan, but not in such numbers as 

 in the desert steppes of Mongolia and Northwest China, or in the 

 mountains of Thibet. In all this extensive district the vicissitudes of 

 climate compel the Kulan to roam ; they form herds at the beginning of 

 winter, and, in bodies of over a thousand, seek in common a neighbor- 

 hood that can furnish food. In spring, these herds are again dissolved 

 into smaller troops, consisting of a horse and from six to twenty mares, 

 according to the prowess of the leader. 



Nothing is more wonderful than the speed and agility of the Kulan; 

 it is as fleet as the antelope, and as sure-footed as the chamois. When 

 pursued, they run in a long and graceful gallop, pausing from time to 

 time to watch the hunters. A herd always puts out one of its number 

 as a sentry ; at the sight of any strange object the leading male rushes 

 out to examine it more closely, and will even follow a horseman ; but if 

 danger threatens they all turn and fly. The natives of the steppes hunt 

 the Kulan, but unless the hunter is sure of his aim, he does not risk a 

 shot. The sportsman sets out early in the morning, mounted on a light 

 yellowish horse. He stalks his game carefully, always advancing against 

 the wind till he comes to the hill beyond which the Kulans are browsing. 

 He then ties the hairs of his horse's tail closely together, and lets it feed 

 on the summit of the hill. He himself lies on the ground, as much 

 concealed as possible, with his gun ready, at a distance of two hundred 

 yards. The Kulan sees the horse, imagines it to be some strayed mare, 

 and gallops toward her. But as he approaches he stops, and that is 

 the moment to fire. If struck in the breast he falls at the first ball, but 

 sometimes it requires five shots to dispatch him. 



The flesh of the Kulan is prized highly by the Kirghises and Tungu- 

 sians ; the hide is used for various purposes. 



The Kulan has been brought to Europe, and is as easily trained as a 

 common horse. It will be seen that we regard, with Pryewalski, the 

 Kulan and Kiang as identical with the Dziggetai. This is also the view 

 held by Apollon Rusinsky, who investigated the question, and whose 

 opinion was confirmed by the Kirghis chief whom he consulted. 



