But in the great majority of horns, we have no difficulty in recognising a continuous logarithmic spiral, nor in referring it, as before, to an unequal rate of growth (parallel to the axis) on two opposite sides of the horn, the inequality maintaining a constant ratio as long as growth proceeds. In certain antelopes, such as the gemsbok, the spiral angle is very small, or in other words the horn is very nearly straight; in other species of the same genus Oryx, such as the Beisa antelope and the Leucoryx, a gentle {617} curve (not unlike though generally less than that of a Dentalium shell) is evident; and the spiral angle, according to the few measurements I have made, is found to measure from about 20ô¯ to nearly 40ô¯. In some of the large wild goats, such as the Scinde wild goat, we have a beautiful logarithmic spiral, with a constant angle of rather less than 70ô¯; and we may easily arrange a series of forms, such for example as the Siberian ibex, the moufflon,
Table of Contents
CHAPTER XIII THE SHAPES OF HORNS, AND OF TEETH OR TUSKS: WITH A NOTE ON TORSION
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