336 SPORT IN EUROPE 



The federal law of 1875, in addition to enacting severe penalties 

 for poaching, prescribed the formation of open reserves, in which 

 shooting is altogether prohibited during a period that may vary 

 according to the region and the conditions more or less favourable 

 to restocking. Thus the law protected the chamois, which had 

 hitherto been butchered in the most savage fashion, as well as 

 marmots, Alpine hares, capercailzie, etc. All these species have 

 re-established themselves as common. The stag, which seemed to 

 have deserted our country, has returned to it and prospers, particularly 

 in the Jura. The roedeer is plentiful in certain parts of that range; 

 wild boar are not rare in sundry districts in the north of Switzerland, 

 notably in Argovie. Unfortunately, despite innumerable endeavours, 

 we have not yet succeeded in reintroducing the ibex. This, the 

 proudest of our mountain beasts, seems to have disappeared from 

 our hills for ever. 



Shooting in Switzerland is a sport to which a great number of 

 folks are addicted. As I said above, there are few lands under 

 protection, in consequence of which the great shoots or battues 

 scarcely exist. There is in fact nothing corresponding in this respect 

 with the practice in other lands, and only in the canton of Argovie 

 could such a mode of shooting be found. The most interesting and 

 at the same time the most uncertain shooting in Switzerland is that 

 of the mountains. It is, however, somewhat difficult sport. To 

 enjoy it without the need of first knowing the country and its people, 

 the stranger would do well to put himself in touch with professional 

 hunters. The ordinary mountain guides, too, almost without excep- 

 tion hunters by profession, would also be of great use to him. The 



