238 THE WILDERNESS OF THE UPPER YUKON 



them, well concealed behind some low rocks, a large 

 mass of rock broke away from the top of the mountain 

 behind them, and thundering down the slope landed 

 about fifty yards to their right. During the crashing 

 descent I observed them very closely. They remained 

 absolutely indifferent to the small avalanche, only one 

 of them turning his head in that direction. Three single 

 rocks fell at later intervals, but they took no notice of 

 them. After awhile in seeking a different position so 

 that I could better hold my glasses, I dislodged a small 

 stone not three inches in diameter, which went roll- 

 ing down the slope. Up to that time I could not see 

 that any of the rams had suspected my presence, except 

 the three small ones above, two of which were then lying 

 down. These small rams evidently trusted the larger 

 ones, and even after having seen me approach, they were 

 indifferently awaiting some warning of alarm from the 

 leaders below. At the sound of that small rock, the 

 whole band jumped up at once and started to walk up 

 the slope. It was perfectly calm and I could feel no 

 currents of air. The rams were suspicious and I knew 

 that in a moment they would see me. Being so far from 

 camp, I realized that an opportunity might be lost and 

 that after seeing me they might leave the locality before 

 I could return. So resting my rifle on a rock, I aimed 

 at the largest and fired. All suddenly ran to the right, 

 while the young rams above dashed down the slope to 

 join them. My bullet struck the ground three feet below 

 the big ram. I fired twice more as he ran. Both shots 

 missed and the sheep disappeared around the slope. 



