OF THE AMERICANS. 



307 



form of the horns, and shape of the body, will not 

 allow of its being placed with the Caprae or goats ; 

 while its form, beard, and fur, remove it from the 

 genus Antelope. We are of opinion, that it forms 

 a species of a genus intermediate between the ante- 

 lope and goat. On examining the fleece, I was 

 particularly struck with its uncommon fineness ; and 

 it occurred to me, that an animal inhabiting the 

 temperate regions of the Rocky Mountains, with so 

 valuable a fleece, might be easily procured, and 

 readily introduced into this country, and form a 

 valuable addition to otir wool-bearing animals. 

 Strongly impressed with this view, I now beg leave 

 to suggest to the Society, providing they agree 

 with me in opinion as to the value of this animal, 

 to take steps for procuring live specimens from 

 America, in order to make the experiment of in- 

 troducing it into Scotland. 



The Society having taken this proposal into con- 

 sideration, appointed a committee of its members 

 to consult with the Directors of the Highland So- 

 ciety of Scotland, on this important proposal ; and 

 also to request Mr Thomas Laurie, who has long- 

 been distinguished for his intimate aquaintance 

 with rural affairs, to report as to the value of the 

 wool, &c. 



The following is the report of Mr Laurie. 



