THE YAK 
( BOS GRUNNIENS) 
T HE yak is to be found in Ghangchenmo and thence a long way 
into Tibet, but owing to the game regulations it is not possible 
to hunt him in Kashmir territory. The Maharajah of Kashmir, 
being a Hindu, to whom the cow is a sacred animal, this law 
has been introduced to avoid hurting his religious suscepti- 
bilities. As the crossing into Tibet from British territory is 
prohibited at present, it is very difficult to secure a specimen of this animal. 
The journey to the yak ground of Tibet from any other direction is a very 
wearisome business, and it is to be hoped, now that commercial relations 
with the Tibetans are being established, that the restrictions against 
entering the country from India may be ere long removed. 
In the old days bull yak were not usually found in Ghangchenmo before 
September, when they migrated over from the Tibetan side; but of recent 
years they have been so little disturbed that some of them do not leave 
Kashmir territory at all. 
The yak is closely allied to the bison family, but does not possess the 
high withers of that race. The wild species is black with a greyish muzzle, 
while the domesticated variety, which is much used for transport in 
Ladak, shows a good deal of white. The yak derives its scientific name 
from its grunting proclivities. It is a useful bea6t of burden, slow but sure, 
and cannot be hustled. 
The old bulls as a rule are found alone. The animal possesses a keen 
sense of smell, and a stalk is often spoilt by the intervention of the inquisi- 
tive kyang, or wild ass of the country. For an animal of this size a rather 
larger bore rifle than is used for other mountain game is to be recom- 
mended; but the extra weight is very trying to carry at these high altitudes, 
and the weapon is not likely to be wanted for anything else, except possibly 
a bear drive in Kashmir. 
The tufted tail of a yak is considered a trophy, and is used in India as a 
fly whisk on ceremonial occasions; but in England these woolly things 
are very difficult to keep from the moth. 
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