WESTERN WILD SPORTS. 
183 
Mountains, but are very rarely seen at any distance from the 
mountains, where they appear to be better suited to live than 
elsewhere. They frequent the peaks and ridges during sum¬ 
mer, and occupy the vallies in winter. They are easily obtained 
by the hunters, but their flesh is not much valued, as it is musty 
and unpleasant ; neither do the traders consider their fleece of 
much worth. The skin is very thick and spongy, and is princi¬ 
pally used for making mocassins. 
“ The Rocky Mountain Goat is nearly the size of a common 
Sheep, and has a shaggy appearance, in consequence of the pro¬ 
trusion of the long hair beyond the wool, which is white and 
soft. Their horns are five inches long, and one in diameter, 
conical, slightly curved backwards, and projecting but little 
beyond the wool of the head. The horns and hoofs are black. 
“ The first indication of this animal was given by Lewis and 
Clarke; and it is much to be regretted that so little is still known 
of the manners and habits of this species. The only specimen 
preserved entire, that we know of, is that figured by Smith in 
the Linnaean Transactions, from which the figure in our plate 
is taken. The fineness of the wool of this animal may possibly 
hereafter induce persons, who have it in their power, to make 
some exertions to introduce this species among our domestic 
animals. It is said that the fleece of this Goat is as fine as that 
of the celebrated Shawl Goat of Cashmere. 
*“ Generic Characters .—The outline of the face is arched, or 
convex, and the mouth has no muzzle ; the ears are pointed, 
and of middling length; the horns, which are transversely 
wrinkled, large and triangular, are twisted laterally into a spi¬ 
ral, and have no osseous cone, of a cellular or cancellar structuie. 
The limbs are slender, and covered with uniform short hair; 
the tail is short, curved downwards, or pendulous. Neither sub¬ 
ocular sinus, beard, nor inguinal pores, exist in this genus.”— 
Godman’s American Natural History. 
* Note to Third Eiution. —Two different animals—the Woolly Goat 
of the Rocky Mountains, and the Ahsahta, Bighorn, or Wild Sheep of 
America—are here confounded. For the true characters and distinc¬ 
tions, see page 293. 
