THE ASIATIC ARGALI. 
137 
The Asiatic Argali is another animal from 
which some of the eastern races of sheep may have 
sprung. It is a very large and powerful creature, 
inhabits the highest mountain-ranges of Asia; Cau- 
casus, and the plains of Siberia, and the flesh is much 
esteemed, while in Russia the skins are still used as 
articles of dress. They are extremely wild and 
Watchful, but, when taken, are easily domesticated. 
The males are said sometimes to reach a weight of 
2001b., and to stand about three feet high at the 
shoulder. The horns are of an immense size, weigh- 
ing 30 lb., and reaching four feet in length. Alto- 
gether it must be a noble animal, approaching the 
dimensions of a stag rather than according with our 
ideas of the bulk of our sheep. The fur is short, 
fulvous-grey in winter, with a fen'uginous, buff-co- 
ionred streak along the back, and a disk of whitish- 
i>rown on the buttocks. During summer, the tints 
nf the fur are more rufous. It will stand as the Ovis 
ommon of our systems. * 
There is also an animal inhabiting the mountains 
®f northern Africa, in a wild state, which may have 
Some claim to assistance in producing our present 
breeds : it has been considered in the light of a spe- 
*^'cs, and distinct from any of those we have been 
Noticing. It is 
• Major Smith. 
VOL. IV. M 
