American Big Game in its Haunts 



"The sheep, as a rule, inhabit the middle line 

 of cliffs where they are safe from attack above 

 and can watch the valley below for danger. Here 

 about the middle line of cliffs they were observed, 

 and the greater number of tracks and dust wal- 

 lows, where they spend much of their time, were 

 seen. A few were seen on the level stretches of 

 the mesas, and a considerable number of tracks, 

 but these were made by those traveling from one 

 line of cliffs to another. 



"They are constantly on guard, and very little 

 of their time is given to browsing. Their usual 

 method is to feed about some high cliffs or rocks, 

 taking an occasional mouthful of brush, and then 

 suddenly throwing up the head and gazing and 

 listening for a long time before again taking food. 

 They are not alarmed by scent, like deer or ante- 

 lope, the direction of the wind apparently making 

 no difference in hunting them. A small bunch of 

 six were observed for a considerable time feeding. 

 Their method seemed to be much the same as in- 

 dividuals, except that when danger was suspected 

 by any member, he would give a few quick leaps, 

 and all the flock would scamper to some high rock 

 and face about in various directions, no two look- 

 ing the same way. These maneuvers were often 

 performed, perhaps once every fifteen minutes. 



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