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Show 1881.] DR. J. SCULLY ON THE MAMMALS OF GILGIT. 209 30. CAPRA FALCONERI, Hiigel. Capra falconeri, Wagner, Miinch. gelebrte Anzeigen, ix. 1839, p. 430. This species is very common in the Astor valley and the Gilgit district, usually keeping close to the forest-region, but descending in the depth of winter as low as 5000 feet. It changes its quarters a good deal according to season, and as a rule is not to be found in those portions of the hills where the lowest valleys are higher than 8000 feet. It frequents most difficult ground, moves easily over very steep rocky hill-sides, and far excels the Himalayan Ibex in agility. The Gilgit Markhor is typical C. falconeri, the horns having a very open spiral curve, but, of course, varying a little. A specimen from Gilgit in Major Biddulph's collection has the horns with quite as open a spiral as is shown in the figure of Hiigel's type of C. falconeri. The Suliman Markhor {Capra megaceros of Hutton) is apparently a separate form. 31. Ovis POLI, Blyth. Ovis poli, Blyth, P.Z.S. 1840, p. 62; Biddulph, Proc. Asiat. Soc. Bengal, 1879, p. 280. This fine Sheep is found in the northern part of Hunza, on the Shimshal Pamir. Judging from the number of heads sent in to Gilgit, this animal must inhabit Hunza in great numbers. The occurrence of this species south of the Mustagh range and the watershed of the Indus is a matter of great interest; it must now be included in the list of Mammals of British India as commonly understood. 32. Ovis VIGNII, Blyth. Ovis vignei, Blyth, P. Z. S. 1840, p. 70. This Sheep is found in great numbers in the Gilgit district and the Astor valley. It frequents the bare hill-sides below the forests, and barren stony ground at the foot of the hills as low as 4500 feet. Large herds are frequently seen; but, owing to the open ground they frequent, it is very difficult to stalk them successfully. They wander about much and swim well. 33. MOSCHUS MOSCHIFERUS, Linn.. Moschus moschiferus, Linnaeus, Syst. Nat. i. p. 91. The Musk-Deer occurs in fair numbers in the Gilgit district, and is more common in the Astor valley. Specimens from the vicinity of Gilgit exhibit some variations in colour, such as have often been noted with respect to this species in other parts of the Himalayas. The Musk-Deer is, I believe, not found in Nagar, Hunza, or Yassin, but is common in parts of Chitral. P R O C ZOOL. Soc-188J, No. XIV. 14 |