THE EUMINANT OEDEE. 



255 



The Common Ibex (Capra ibex) (Fig. 88) is about the size of 

 a Goat. Its winter coat is composed of long, rough hair, covering 

 a soft, fine, and abundant wool, which it preserves during the 

 summer. It is light brown above, and white underneath, with a 

 black dorsal band, and a brown traverse line, which crosses the 

 flanks. A rough black beard hangs from its chin ; its horns are 

 blackish, with two longitudinal ridges, intersected by projecting 

 and transversal ribs. 



These animals may be found on nearlj^ all the lofty mountains 



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Fig. 88.— The Common Ibex {Capra ibex, Gray). 



of Europe, and keep to a still higher zone than the Chamois. 

 They have animated and brilliant eyes, mobile ears, and a proud 

 and independent demeanour. Making their residence on peaks 

 bordering on the eternal snows, they feed on the scanty grass, 

 the buds of the Alpine willow, dwarf birch, and rhododendrons. 



Their secureness of footing is such that they will jump with 

 perfect confidence to a point of rock only of sufficient size to 

 contain their four feet, leaping down to such a position from 

 a height of from twenty to thirty feet, on which they will remain 



