172 THE CHAMOIS, 
comprehended from the illustration. The height of the Oryx is rather more 
than three feet six inches, and the long curved horns are upwards of three 
feet in length. These horns are set closely together upon the head, from 
whence they diverge gradually to their extremities. These weapons are covered 
with rings at their bases, but at their tips they are smooth and exceedingly 
sharp. Their colour is black. 
GOaAT-LIKE in aspect, and very hircine in many of its habits, the CHAMOIS 
is often supposed to belong to the goats rather than to the Antelopes. 
It is, however, a true Antelope, and may be readily distinguished from any 
of its relations by the peculiar form of the horns, which rise straight from the 
top of the head for some inches, and then suddenly curve backwards, so as to 
form a pair of sharp hooks. In descending a precipitous rock, the Chamois 
is greatly aided by the false hoofs of the hinder feet, which it hitches upon 
CHAMOIS.—(Rupicapra Tragus.) 
every little irregularity in the stony surface, and which seem to retard its 
progress as it slides downwards, guided by the sharp hoofs of the fore-feet, 
which are placed closely together, and pushed well in advance of the body. 
Thus flattened against the rock, the Chamois slides downwards until it comes 
to a ledge broad enough to permit it to repose itself for a while before 
descending further. In this manner the active creature will not hesitate 
to descend some twenty or thirty yards along the face of an almost per- 
pendicular cliff, being sure to make good its footing on the first broad 
ledge that may present itself. 
The Chamois is one of the most wary of Antelopes, and possesses the 
power of scenting mankind at an almost incredible distance. Even the 
old and half-obliterated footmarks which a man has made in the snow 
are sufficient to startle the sensitive fears of this animal, which has been 
