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RECORDS OF BIG GAME 



Skull and Horns of Male Takin. From Col. J- Biddulph's record specimen. 



TAKIN (Budorcas taxicolor). 



Although recently suggested to be related to the musk-ox, this 

 strange ruminant is more generally regarded as an aberrant relative of 

 the serows. It is heavily built, with stout limbs, large lateral hoofs, a 

 short tail, a convex profile, and an almost completely hairy muzzle. 

 But its most remarkable feature is to be found in the horns, which are 

 large, massive, and bent somewhat after the fashion of those of a gnu, 

 curving at first outwards and somewhat downwards, and then bending 

 abruptly upwards about the middle of their length. Height at 

 shoulder about 317 feet. Horns are present in both sexes, as in the 

 serows and gorals, those of the female measuring about a foot in length, 

 and lacking the curvature of those of the males. 



Distribution. — Typically the Mishmi Hills on the northern frontier of 

 Assam, but represented by a variety or allied species in Tibet, 

 and perhaps a third in China. Although living within sight of 

 Indian territory, it does not appear that takin have ever been 

 killed by English sportsmen ; and specimens are very rare in 

 collections. 



