The Sierra Nevada 



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strongholds of the Spanish ibex ; and, curiously, the ibex is the 

 solitary example of big game that these mountains can boast. 

 Differing in geological formation from other mountain-systems 

 of southern Spain, the Sierra Nevdda shelters neither deer 

 of any kind — red, fallow, or roe — nor wild-boar. The ibex, on 

 the other hand, must be counted as no mean asset, and though 



LAMMERGEYER {Ujametus harbatns) 

 A fflorious denizen of Sierra Nevada. 



totally unprotected, they yet hold their own — a fair average 

 stock survives along the line of the Veleta, Alcazdba, and 

 Mulahacen. This survival is due to the vast area and rugged 

 regions over which (in relatively small numbers) the wild-goats 

 are scattered ; but even more so to the antiquated muzzle-loading 

 smooth-bores hitherto employed against them. That moment 

 when cheap, repeating cordite rifles shall have fallen into the 

 hands of the mountain-peasantry will sound the death-knell of 

 the ibex. 



