476 YEARBOOK OF THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. 
winter, is above timber line. In summer this is by no means an 
inhospitable region, for however numerous may be the cliffs, the 
rocky pinnacles, and the hanging snowbanks, below and around them 
are always the mountain gardens, saucer-like basins studded with 
tiny ponds, or long fan-shaped slopes traversed by trickling streams 
and luxuriant with low matted vegetation. The sheep feed largely 
on these high slopes and meadows, but move about a great deal, and 
their well-marked trails show that they visit almost all parts of the 
mountains. Although their reputation for agility and surefooted¬ 
ness is well founded, their trails seldom if ever pass through such 
Fig. 51.—Distribution of mountain sheep in Alaska. 
rough ground as to daunt an active man of experience. They are 
keen of vision and, unlike most game animals, depend little upon 
scent for warning of danger, but in spite of this it is no easy task 
to approach one of these alert, far-sighted animals on an open 
mountainside. To those physically equipped for it hunting mountain 
sheep is unquestionably one of the greatest of sports, and Alaska is 
one of the best fields for it in Jhe world. To the inspiring and 
exhilarating joys of mountaineering are added the uncertainties and 
excitements of the chase. Whether bearing gun or camera the hunter 
