74 MOUNTAIN FAUNAS 
security, due to the rugged nature of the surface. 
Further, the peculiar climatic conditions, together 
probably with the rapidity of mechanical erosion, 
promote the growth, in certain localities at least, of 
Fic. 11. A Swiss Alp. The absence of trees, the presence Of a close 
short turf and of low bushes (mostly berry-bearing), are very charac- 
teristic of the upper regions of the Alps as well as of many other 
mountain and plateau regions. The richness of the pasture is suggested 
by the number of cows 
particularly nourishing fodder plants. A large part 
of the pastoral industry of Switzerland is due to the 
pasturage obtainable on the high mountain shelves 
or alps. In Tibet, though wild herbivores exist in 
flocks of thousands, according to some observers, yet 
there is pasturage enough to spare to feed the domes- 
ticated animals upon which the community largely 
depends. 
