44 ITS HAUNTS. 



Its favourite haunts are the rocky faces 

 of steep rugged hills, bare craggy spots and 

 ledges of rock on hills covered with pine 

 trees and long rank grass ; and in forests 

 where the ground is dry, the trees not 

 greatly crowded, and the underwood not 

 very thick. When the weather is cloudy 

 it may be seen out at all hours ; but when 

 tine only morning and evening, concealing 

 itself during the day in nooks and corners 

 when located m bare rocky spots ; and 

 under shelter of trees and bushes when in 

 districts partially wooded. It is gregarious, 

 although often found singly, and appearing 

 quite unconcerned at being separated from 

 its fellows ; but wherever one is seen there 

 is a certainty of others being in the neigh- 

 bourhood. As many inhabit the same hill 

 side they are oftener found in company than 

 alone, — two, three, four, and at times eight 

 or ten being met together ; not in a compact 

 flock, but scattered widely about, and their 

 respective movements are much more inde- 

 pendent than the generality of gregarious 



