1841.] Description of three Indian species of Bat. 977 



the correctness of the names attached to them can be ensured, and the 

 value of the specimens thus enhanced. At present, the Museum of the 

 Asiatic Society is sadly deficient in species of this interesting family. 

 December 5th, 1841. 



Extracts from a Report on subjects connected with Afghanistan. By 

 Dr. Griffifth. Communicated to the Editor, from the Political 

 Secretariat of India. 



PART III. 

 Natural Productions. 



Wild Animals. — None of the wild animals of the country appear 

 to be of any considerable importance. They are comparatively speak- 

 ing, few in number, and none attain any large size. The most im- 

 portant from their size, and probably from numerical extent of indivi- 

 duals, are the wild sheep and wild goats, of which last there are pro- 

 bably three distinct species, at least, in the country. The chase of these 

 animals for their flesh, which is, I believe, held in considerable esti- 

 mation, both by Europeans and Afghans, is attended with consi- 

 derable difficulty and exposure, and is principally confined to the win- 

 ter months, during which these animals are forced to take up lower 

 ground. The animals of the above nature known to me are, — 



1st. The Wild Sheep, Ovis Argali? — The only specimen of this I 

 have seen alive was in the possession of Captain Ferris, at Peshbolak. 

 With the head and barrel of a sheep, it had the legs, the muscularity, 

 and activity of the antelope kind. Nothing can be imagined greater 

 than the agility and sure-footedness with which it would gallop along 

 the top of the narrow ramparts of an Afghan fort, and precipitate it- 

 self down from its bastions. It was perfectly tame, and naturally gen- 

 tle ; and seemed to prefer Europeans to Hindoostanees. In choosing 

 its companions and females, it was by no means select, and appeared 

 quite capable of pleasing a whole flock of ewes and she-goats. I re- 

 gret to say, that perhaps from want of any very great affinity between 

 the species, no marked breed has resulted from this extensive crossing. 



