'The Transactions of the Bombay Geographical Society. From January 1863 to December 1864. (Edited by the Secretary.) Volume XVII.' [‎305] (484/524)

IN THE SHIKARPOOK COLLECTORATE,
305
ridges, particularly the Keerthur. In this range fossils are scarce. The
under surfaces of all disintegrated slabs and loose pieces of rock are
covered with a coating ofbrownhsematite, which gives a curious reddish
appearance to the pathways and sheep tracks.
General Features.
After rain the mountains become covered with grass, and during the
whole hot season afford pasturage to large and numerous flocks of goats
and dhoombas, or the fat-tailed sheep of the hills. The mutton is
excellent, and the tail weighs from five to seven pounds. This fat is
highly esteemed and supercedes the use of ghee among the people ; but
sometimes endangers the life of the animal, as wolves will take the tail
and spare the sheep.
The wild animals found are the Wolf, Hyena, Black Bear, and Fox :
Cheeta and Panthers are said to be seen sometimes. About the middle
ranges Ibex may. be met with, but they are very shy, and afford only
indifferent sport in the hot season at least; while in the lower hills
the Gud (wild sheep) are found in small herds in much more accessible
places and easily to be got at during the cold weather. Among the birds
may be mentioned the Goshawk and a very large variety of Vulture,
with a golden breast and some of the characteristics of the Eagle.
Havens migrate from here to Sind during the early part of winter.
A fine variety of grey Pigeon, handsomely marked with a white bar
across the back of the wings, appears peculiar to this place. All
through the hills there is found a species of red-legged partridge, with
black spots on the breast and under the wdngs, and a call resembling
the ordinary farmyard fowl.
There is also a curious variety of Quail, the male bird resembling
the Partridge, and only to be distinguished by its smaller size and by
yellow instead of red legs and bill. The female is very different, of a
darker brown color, and with small silvery grey spots on the back. But
few reptiles are met—-A very unsightly, shiningly black Iguana, the
small yellow scorpion, and many kinds of snakes. The only venomous
one killed or seen was the well known Loondi of Sind.
Among the plants peculiar to the hills we find but few deserving
notice, and the same may be said of the shrubs and trees. Inc e tis
(Ilohree ) is a fine tree, the expanding branc es an
foliage of which afford good shelter. It grows only in f 1C e P
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