The wild Sheep of Afghanistan. 517 



of a dull greyish colour. The Afghan and Belooche hun- 

 ters, more especially the latter, make use of this gum, by 

 spreading it over the pans of their matchlocks, to prevent the 

 damp from injuring the priming. 



When in a state of inactivity, the hind quarters are raised* 

 as in the annexed faithful representation, much higher than 

 the withers, which gives a stoop to the attitude, the body 

 sloping sensibly from the rump to the shoulder. 



The legs too appear long for the proportions of the neck* 

 and in feeding, I observed that the animal almost invariably 

 kept one leg bent, to enable it to reach the herbage. This 

 structure although apparently inconvenient on level ground, 

 would by no means be found so on the sides of the steep 

 acclivities, where the species loves to roam. The ears are 

 shaped like those of an antelope, are of moderate size, and 

 carried erect. 



The Bearded Sheep inhabits the mountainous tracts of 

 Khorassan, being found throughout the Soolimoaun, Kojeh 

 Amraum, Hindoo Kush, and Huzarreh Hills, and probably 

 extending into Bokhara ; it occurs likewise in the neigh- 

 bourhood of Herat, and is said to be known in Persia. The 

 exact limit of its range is not yet ascertained, but it is pro- 

 bably extensive. 



They are found at less elevations than the Goats about to 

 be described, and during winter frequently descend to the 

 plains and valleys in small flocks, They are pursued by 

 the hunters for the sake of the flesh, which is good and 

 well-flavoured ; while the horns are placed, as are those of 

 Goats, as trophies of success, and proofs of skill, upon tombs 

 and temples. 



When taken young they are easily domesticated, but the 

 Rams are treacherous, making sudden and fierce attacks 

 upon unarmed persons. 



Although they become tame, and will breed readily with 

 the domestic Sheep, yet they do not seem to consider them- 



