The Yellowstone Park 



during portions of the year. In such sec- 

 tions the bare rocks carry very little soil and 

 afford an insufficient food-supply for game. 

 In many instances where the natural condi- 

 tions would otherwise be favorable, the 

 mountains rise as long narrow ridges between 

 relatively broad valleys. On the occupation 

 of the lowlands by a steadily increasing 

 population, such game-resorts became easily 

 accessible to butchers and skin-hunters. The 

 game was either soon killed off, or the in- 

 stinct of self-preservation taught the animals 

 to abandon their haunts for more secluded 

 pastures. No better instance of the quick- 

 ness with which animals perceive danger need 

 be mentioned than their migration from the 

 Big Horn Mountains, when that once admir- 

 able game-country was suddenly invaded by 

 hunters from all parts of the world. It is 

 true that the game was slaughtered in vast 

 numbers, but it is equally true that the ani- 

 mals migrated to less disturbed regions. 

 For years the Big Horn Mountains have 

 been known as a gameless country; "shot 

 out" was the expressive phrase applied to 

 them by hide and horn hunters. The urgent 



i6* 245 



