139 
of the Americans . 
Rocky Mountain Sheep of the Americans. A simple inspection 
of the specimen before us, proves that it cannot be a species of 
the genus Ovis; and the form of the horns, and shape of the 
body, will not allow of its being placed with the Caprse or Goats; 
while its form, beard and fur, remove it from the genus Ante- 
lope, We are of opinion, that it forms a species of a genus in- 
termediate between the Antelope and Goat. On examining the 
fleece, I was particularly struck with its uncommon fineness ; 
and it occurred to me, that an animal inhabiting the temperate 
regions of the Rocky Mountains, with so valuable a fleece, might 
be easily procured, and readily introduced into this country, and 
form a valuable addition to our wool-bearing animals. Strongly 
impressed with this view, I now beg leave to suggest to the So- 
ciety, providing they agree with me in opinion as to the value 
of this animal, to take steps for procuring live specimens from 
America, in order to make the experiment of introducing it into 
Scotland. 
The Society having taken this proposal into consideration, 
appointed a committee of its members to consult with the Direc- 
tors of the Highland Society of Scotland, on this important pro- 
posal ; and also to request Mr Thomas Laurie, who has long 
been distinguished for his intimate acquaintance with rural af- 
fairs, to report as to the value of the wool, &c. 
The following is the report of Mr Laurie : 
“ The skin submitted to us, is, in the minutes of the Society, 
denominated that of 64 The Rocky Mountain Sheep ;' 1 and, 
from the wool with which it is covered, it may certainly be con- 
sidered as nearly allied to that genus of quadrupeds, though, 
had it wanted this woolly covering, we would probably have 
been inclined to consider it as more allied to the goat. The ge- 
neral figure of this skin is very different from that of any sheep's 
skin I have ever seen. The difference is perhaps most re- 
markable in the length and figure of the neck, which, in no 
slight degree, resembles that of a thorough bred horse. The 
general structure of the head, externally viewed, does not ap- 
pear to vary from that of other sheep, more than might be as- 
cribed to accidental circumstances. To this remark, however, 
the horns form a remarkable exception. Their position is very 
different from what is observed in the common sheep. Their 
