The ibex is an animal of the goat kind, and inhabits the mountainous
districts of the south of Europe, it is the most graceful of all its
tribes; it is extremely active. It is very wild, and difficult to be
shot, as it always keeps on the highest points. The horns of the ibex
are large and knotty, its skin is of a yellow color, and its beard
short and black. The chase of the ibex, although it is not a very
powerful animal, is attended, at times, with considerable danger; it
has been known, when driven hard, to run full-but at the huntsman,
and force him over the rock, although in doing so, it has at the same
time, sacrificed its own life, falling headlong with its pursuer. The
ibex is said to be a short-lived animal. Its flesh is much esteemed,
and its skin is very thin.
Below is a picture of a bear pursuing a male and female ibex.
[Illustration]
[Illustration: JERBOA.]