June, 1903. A List of Mammals — Elliot. 209 



very large and not divided in the middle. Mr. Heller's notes on 

 this species are as follows : 



" Common about the cliffs, coming down occasionally to the water 

 holes in the valley. Most of the sheep observed were either solitary 

 or in small bands of three to a dozen. Only one adult ram was 

 seen, all the others, about thirty, being either ewes or lambs. The 

 largest bunch seen consisted of eleven, mostly ewes and a few young 

 rams. The sheep as a rule inhabit the middle line of cliffs where 

 they are safe from attack above and can watch the valley below 

 for danger. Here about the middle line of cliffs they were observed 

 and the greater number of tracks and dust wallows where they spend 

 much of their time were seen. A few were seen on the level stretches 

 of the mesas, and a considerable number of tracks, but these were 

 made by those traveling from one line of cliffs to another. They 

 are constantly on guard and very little of their time is given to 

 browsing. Their usual method is to feed about some high cliffs or 

 rocks taking an occasional mouthful of brush and then suddenly 

 throwing up the head and gazing and listening for a long time before 

 again taking food. Theyare not alarmed by scent, like deer or antelope, 

 the direction of the wind apparently making no difference in hunt- 

 ing them. A small bunch of six were observed for a considerable 

 time feeding. Their method seemed to be much the same as in- 

 dividuals, except that when danger was suspected by any member he 

 would give a few quick leaps and all the flock would scamper to 

 some high rock and face about in various directions, no two looking 

 the same way. These manceuvers were often performed, perhaps once 

 every fifteen minutes. Their chief enemy is the mountain lion, which 

 hunts them on the cliffs, apparently never about watering places. 

 Lion tracks were not rare about the sheep runs. They are extremely 

 wary about coming down for water and take every precaution. 

 Before leaving the cliffs to cross the valley to water they usually 

 select some high ridge and descend along this, gazing constantly at 

 the spring, usually halting ten or more minutes on every prominent 

 rocky point. When within a hundred yards or less of the water a 

 long careful search is made and a great deal of ear-work performed, 

 the head being turned first to one side and then to the other. When 

 they do at last satisfy themselves they make a bolt and drink quickly, 

 stopping occasionally to listen and look for danger. If, however, 

 they should be surprised at the water they do not flee at once, but 

 gaze for some time at the intruder and then go a short way and take 

 another look, and so on until at last they break into a steady run for 

 the cliffs. At least thirty sheep were observed at the water and none 



