16 



MAMMALIA. 



This graceful Ruminant inhabits the Pyrenees and Alps, and 

 also some of the highest poiuts in Greece. But from constant 

 persecution it has lately become so rare that few persons can boast 

 of having been successful in its pursuit. 



The Chamois lives in small herds, in the midst of steep rocks on 

 the highest mountain summits. With marvellous agUity it leaps 

 over ravines, scales with nimble and sure feet the steepest accH- 



Fig. 81. — Chamois {Antdope rupicapra, Pallas). 



vities, bounds along the narrowest paths on the edge of the 

 most perilous abysses, and jumping from rock to rock, wUl take 

 its stand on the sharpest point, where there appears hardly room 

 for its feet to rest ; and all this is accomplished with an accuracy of 

 sight, a muscular energy, an elegance and precision of movement, 

 and a self-possession which are without equal. From these facts, 

 it can easily be understood that hunting this nimble and daring 

 animal is an amusement full of danger. 



