276 THROUGH CANADA 



accounts for the belief. This, however, may be caused 

 by fighting. The horns grow, in some cases, to 17^ 

 inches round the base, and 38 inches long. The ani- 

 mal itself is about 3 feet high. Its coat is a reddish 

 brown colour, which turns to grey in winter. It is 

 patched with white in the rear, and is entirely white 

 underneath. The hair is very coarse and stiff. 



The mountain sheep of Canada is found in 

 the Rocky Mountains and in South and East 

 Kootenay. In the spring it approaches the lower levels 

 to crop the young vegetation. The snapping of a 

 twig or the displacement of a stone puts them to flight. 

 Comparing the Ovis canadetisis with the Ovis stonei, 

 the horns of the latter are longer, and curved farther 

 round. Those of the Ovis faniihii almost complete 

 the circle. The diversity applies to the rams ; the 

 sheep's horns rise erect from the head, curving slightly. 

 The mountain goa.t,Oreai?i?/s mo?ifana,is also found 

 in the Rocky Mountains. They keep nearer to the 

 coast, where there are lofty crags suitable to their 

 habits. Like the sheep they are fond of spring vege- 

 tation, and leave the heights in search of it. Their 

 home is, however, the rocky cliffs, far detached from 

 pass or trail trodden by human feet. Their fleece is 

 white, with an undergrowth of fine wool. Long hairs 

 grow on the sides and down the legs. Bristles stand 

 erect on the back. The legs are short and the 

 hoofs broad. The horns curve backwards and are 

 about 12 inches long. From the base, rings form 



