366 



IBEX, 



length, and to extend the whole length of the 

 body : they are of a deep brown colour, and are 

 marked on the upper surface Avith very protube- 

 rant transverse knots or half circles : the leg's are 

 strong, the hoofs short, as is likewise the tail : on 

 the chin is a brown or dusky beard. The female is 

 smaller than the male, with smaller horns in pro» 

 portion, and much less boldly or distinctly knot- 

 ted above. 



This is the animal whose blood was formerly 

 considered as a valuable article in the materia 

 medica^ being celebrated for its supposed power 

 of relieving pleuritic and many other complaints. 

 Of its wonderful virtues in this way much may be 

 found in the works of Gesner and Aldrovandus, 



In its general hcibits or manners the Ibex re- 

 sembles the common Goat, but possesses every 

 attribute of strength and activity in a degree 

 proportioned to its natural state of wildness. It 

 delights to climb mountains, and hang upon the 

 brinks of precipices, and its chace is in conse- 

 quence considered, like that of the Chamois^ as in 

 the highest degree difficult and laborious. It is 

 even said, that, when hard pressed, this animal 

 will fling itself down a steep precipice, and fall- 

 ing on its horns, escape unhurt from its pur- 

 suers ; nor will this appear in the least incredible, 

 if we may rely on the faith of Alonaj^des, who as- 

 sures us that he saw a Caiicasan Ibe.v leap from 

 the top of a high tower, and, falling on its horns, 

 immediately spring up on its limbs and leap about 

 without having received the least apparent injury. 



