CAUCASAN IBEX, 
263 
these animals to ascend with much more ease than 
to descend ; and on this account it is that nothing 
but the severest weather will induce them to go 
down into the valleys. 
Their voice is a short sharp whistle, not unlike 
that of the chamois, but of less continuance ; some- 
times they make a kind of snort, by breathing hard 
through the nostrils, and when young, they bleat. 
The female, in general, brings forth only one 
young one at a time. Towards this she exhibits 
great attachment, and will defend it even against 
the attacks of wolves and eagles. She sometimes 
takes refuge in a cavern, where, presenting her head 
at the entrance, she opposes the strongest enemy 
with great perseverance. 
The ibex is supposed by some to be the stock 
from which the common goat is derived. 
Caucasan ibex. 
I 
This animal is superior in size to the largest he- 
goats : its form resembles the stag ; its body is 
covered with shaggy hair ; and, for the greatest 
part, of a grey or a yellowish rust colour * a black 
line runs along the back ; its chin is furnished 
with a great beards the colour of which is between 
a dun and a chesnut ; its head is of a thick form, 
and remarkably hard ; its horns rise almost out 
of one base ; diverge and bend backwards as they 
advance towards the extremities ; but approach 
nearer each other, and are hooked at the points. 
They are smooth and black, with sharp ridges on 
the upper parts, which are hollow on the exterior 
sides. The tail is very short and black ; the neck 
Und joints are remarkably stout ; the belly affords 
a bezoar. The females are generally destitute of 
horns ; and when they happen to be furnished with 
them, they are very small in comparison with thos^ 
¥01.. ii. * m m 
