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57 gives it, but for the horns, the appearance of a huge Newfound- land dog. The yak is to the inhabitants of the Pamir what the reindeer is to the Laplanders in Northern Europe. Like the elephant it possesses a clear knowledge of what will bear its weight. If travellers are at fault, one of these animals is driven before them, and it is said that it avoids the hidden depths and chasms with admirable sagacity. Its footing is sure, and faults are seldom noticed. Should a fall of snow close a mountain pass to man and horse, a score of yaks driven ahead answer the purpose of the pioneers. The yak usually frequents the mountain slopes and their level summits. Whenever the mercury does not rise above zero, it is the season most suitable for the activities of this animal. If the snow on the elevated flats lies too deep for him to crop the herbage, he rolls himself down the slopes and eats its way up again. The heat of summer sends the animal to what is termed the old snow, that is, the region of eternal snow ; the calf being retained below as hostage for the mother's return, in which she never fails. In the summer the Kirghiz women, like the pastoral in- habitants of the Alps, encamp in the higher valleys which are interspersed among the snowy mountains and devote their whole time to dairying. The men remain on the plains below and attend to the agricultural part of the establishment, but occasionally visit the upper stations ; and all speak with rapture of these summer wanderings. The yak's hair is clipped once a year, in spring. The strong, wiry and pliant hair of the tail is made into ropes, which for strength is the equal of that manufactured from hemp. The hair of the body is woven into mats and also into a strong fabric