280 WILD BEASTS OF THE WORLD 



THE TAKIN 



{Budorcas taxicolor) 



One of the least known of the ruminants is this awkward-looking 

 animal, which is about as big as a Donkey; with very short thick 

 legs, a large clumsy head, and a long shaggy coat. The buck's horns 

 are rather like those of the Brindled Gnu, but the points are directed 

 backwards, those of the female not having the angular bend downwards 

 at the base. 



The Takin was first known from the little-explored Mishmi Hills 

 on the Assam frontier, -where it is of a brown colour; but there is a 

 race ranging from Eastern Tibet to North China, in which the male 

 has a bright straw-yellow mane. Little is known about this animal, 

 and it has never been exhibited alive in Europe. 



THE MUSK-OX 



{Ovibos moschatus) 



An animal called an "Ox" seems out of place among the Goat- 

 Antelopes, but it is agreed by naturalists that it is not a true Ox, and 

 Mr. Lydekker suggests that its place should be here — it certainly does 

 not " fit in " anywhere else. 



In size it resembles a small Kerry bull, and is stoutly built and 

 very low on the leg, these peculiarities of form being enhanced by the 

 very long and heavy coat, which hides the short ears and tail. The 

 horns are broad at the base and turn sharply down, following the 

 outline of the face as far as the eyes, when they turn up like hooks 

 and end in sharp points. The colour of the beast is dark brown, 

 and a thick under-coat of wool helps to keep the animal warm in 

 winter; it needs some such protection, as it is a thoroughly Arctic 

 animal, being confined to the barren grounds of the high northern 

 parts of America and North Greenland. Here it lives in herds, 

 feeding on the scanty Arctic vegetation, and displaying, when hunted, 

 much more activity than could be expected from its very clumsy 

 appearance. Although it does at times possess a musky odour 'and 

 flavour, this is not constant, but very little is known about the 

 animal, which has only once been brought to England. 



