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 
16* 245 
