158 WAEINESS AND SHYNESS. 



remain in these high regions until the end 

 of October, when they begin to mix with 

 the females, and gradually descend to their 

 winter resorts. The females do not wander 

 so much or so far ; many remaining on the 

 same ground throughout the year, and those 

 that do visit the distant hills are generally 

 found lower down than the males, seldom 

 ascending above the limits of vegetation. 

 They bring forth their young in July, 

 having often twins ; and, like other gre- 

 garious animals, many are frequently found 

 barren. 



The ibex are wary animals, gifted with 

 very sharp sight, and an acute sense of 

 smell. They are very easily alarmed, and 

 so wild, that a single shot fired at a flock, is 

 often sufficient to drive them away from 

 that particular range of hills they may be 

 upon. Even if not fired at, the appearance 

 of a human being near their haunts, is not 

 unfrequently attended with the same result. 

 Of this we had many instances during our 

 rambles after them; and the very first flock 



