THE IBEX* 57 



Hunting the ibex. 



frequent more elevated places than the females 

 and younger animals; and, as they advance in 

 age, they become more inclined to solitude. 

 They also become gradually hardened against 

 the effects of extreme cold. 



The season for hunting these quadrupeds is 

 during the months of August and September, 

 when they are in good condition. None but the 

 inhabitants of the mountains, however, engage 

 in this chase; for it not only requires ahead that 

 can look down from the most tremendous accli- 

 vity without terror, but also much strength, acti- 

 vity, and address. On these occasions, two or 

 three hunters usually associate, armed with rifle- 

 barrelled guns, and furnished with small bags of 

 provisions; they erect a miserable hut of turf 

 among the heights, where, without fire or cover- 

 ing, they pass the night; and, on waking in the 

 morning, they not unfrequently find the entrance 

 blocked up with snow three or four feet deep. 

 Sometimes, also, while in pursuit of their prey, 

 being overtaken by darkness, amid crags and 

 precipices, they ar compelled to pass the whole 

 night standing, and embraced together, in order 

 to support each other, and to prevent themselves 

 from sleeping. 



As the animals ascend into the higher regions 

 very early in the morning, it is necessary to gain 

 the heights before them ; otherwise they scent 

 the hunters, and fly off to a distance of several 

 leagues. Their strength is also so prodigious, 

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