BIGHORN J MOUNTAIN SHEEP. 45 



who is familiar with the species, knows well tliat these individuals 

 are no less active and successful climbers than the rams. The 

 splintered condition of the horns of the old males is due to their 

 battles during the rutting season, and their play at all times of the 

 year. The feet of the Mountain Sheep are precisely fitted for their 

 life among the crags and precipices, and they seem to be able to 

 cling to any surface which presents the slightest inequality. They 

 can thus pass over dangerous places which would be certain death 

 to any other quadruped except perhaps the White Goat. 



As has been remarked, the rutting season is in December, and 

 the young are believed to be brought forth in March, although in 

 some of the best works on Natural History the time of birth is 

 variously stated as May or June. 



