HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 83 



The Wood-Goat is fomewhat more than two feet and 

 a half high, of a dark-brown colour, in fome parts bor- 

 dering upon black : On each cheek-bone there are two 

 large round white fpots ; another, Hill larger, occupies 

 the fore part of the neck, fomewhat below the top of the 

 windpipe ; and feveral fmaller white fpots are fcattered 

 over the haunches : A narrow line of white hair extends 

 from the neck all along the back and tail, but is not eali- 

 ly diftinguifhed, being hid by the length of the dark- 

 brown hairs on the top of the back, which are three or 

 four inches long, fo as to form a kind of mane : The 

 hair on the head is very fhort and fine ; in other parts of 

 the body it is longer, refembling that of Goats : Its tail 

 is not more than a finger's breadth in length, covered 

 with long hairs, which extend down the hind part of the 

 thighs and buttocks *, the legs and feet are flender ; the 

 fetlock joints are likewife fmall ; the nofe and under lip, 

 which are white, are decorated with black whilkers about 

 an inch long. 



As this creature runs but flowly, it is fometimes 

 caught with dogs. When it finds there is no other re- 

 four ce, it boldly puts itfelf into a pofture of defence ; 

 and when going to butt, kneels down, and in that po- 

 fition fells its life at a very dear rate, killing and goring 

 fome of the beft and mo ft fpirited hounds. It carries its 

 head ftraight forward whilft it runs, laying its horns up- 

 on its neck, to prevent their being entangled in the 

 bullies, which is fometimes the cafe. The female is 

 without horns; and, being lighter than the male, runs 

 more freely through the forefts, and is not fo eafily 

 caught. Her breaft is faid to be very plump : But the 

 flefh of this animal is not very tender. 



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