Page:Mongolia, the Tangut country, and the solitudes of northern Tibet vol 1 (1876).djvu/229

 species selects the wildest and most inaccessible crags of the alpine zones for its habitation. Here they may be found single or in pairs; during the whole of the day they hide in the most secluded spots, from which they will not stir till the hunter is close to them.

Towards evening they emerge from their retreats and feed during the whole of the night and for an hour or two after sunrise, when they again repair to their coverts. Their favourite and almost exclusive grazing-places are the alpine meadows, especially the small grassy plots among the rocks. Before entering them and during the feeding time they will often climb to the summit of a hill or ledge of rock, and remain there for a long while to assure themselves of safety.

They return to the same place over and over again, as we could tell by the large heaps of their droppings collected in these spots. When stationary, as well as when on the move, they swing their long black tails from side to side, and while grazing utter a low, short cry. The mountain antelope is a most timid animal; when alarmed it seeks safety in rapid flight, and will leap down deep ravines when hard pressed. I once saw one, on suddenly perceiving me, jump from a rock 100 feet high, and go away apparently unharmed. It was curious to see the swifts, which build their nests in the sides of the cliffs, pursue the animal in its descent. The sound of its hoofs as it alighted was like a dull heavy blow on the rocks. Its legs are thick in comparison with