iif) Sfyeep. 



THE following account is taken from Mr. Sage's " Scenes 

 in the Rocky Mountains." During our stay we succeeded in 

 killing five mountain sheep. Some of these were very large 

 and quite fat. The flesh of this animal is equal in flavor to 

 that of buffalo. It is generally in good order, tender and 

 sweet, and slightly assimilates our common mutton in taste. 

 The habits and appearance of the mountain sheep resemble 

 those of no other animal. 



They select for their favorite habitation the rugged fast- 

 nesses of wild and inaccessible mountains. In the cold of 

 winter, they descend to some of the numerous valleys that so 

 beautifully diversify the scenery of these regions, where the 

 verdure of spring so rarely fades ; and, as the warm season 

 advances, they commence their return towards the lofty snow- 

 peaks, keeping even progress with spring and fresh flowers 

 along the mountain-sides. 



Theirs is a life of unbroken spring beauty and grandeur 

 are their dwelling place, and, 'mid the awe-inspiring subli- 

 mity of nature's works, is their home. They gambol upon 

 the fearful verge of the steep cliff, or climb its perpendicular 

 sides, bidding defiance to all pursuers. There, secure from 

 enemies, they rear their young, and teach them to leap from 

 crag to crag in mirthful gaiety, or traverse the dizzy heights 

 in quest of the varied sweets of changeful spring. 



These animals are remarkably acute of sight, and quick of 

 scent and hearing. The least noise or tainture of the air ex- 

 cites their attention and places them instantly upon the alert. 

 Mounting upon some high rock, they will stand for hours in 



(511) 



