owards evening they begin to move, and proceed to their
grazing-grounds--which are often miles away. They set out walking
slowly at first; but, if they have any considerable distance before
them, soon break into a trot; and sometimes the whole flock will go as
hard as they can lay legs to the ground. From what we could gather from
the natives, we concluded that they 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 generally two at a birth;
though, like other gregarious 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 haunt is not unfrequently
attended with the same result. Of this we had many instances during our
rambles after them, and the very first flock of old males we found gave
us a proof. They were at the head of the Asrung valley, and we caught
sight of them just as they were coming down the hill to feed--a noble
flock of nearly a hundred old males. It was late in the day, and we had
a long way to return to camp. Prudence whispered, "Let them alone till
to-morrow," but excitement carried the day, and we tried the stalk.
Having but little daylight remaining, we may have hurried, and
consequently approached them with less caution than we should have done
had we had time before us. However it might be, we failed; for long
before we got within range, some of them discovered us, and the whole
flock decamped without giving us the chance of a shot. Not having fired
at, or otherwise disturbed them, more than by approaching the flock, we
were in great hopes of finding them the next day; but that and several
succeeding ones were passed in a fruitless search. They had entirely
forsaken that range of hills.

"`All readers of natural history are familiar with the wonderful
climbing and saltatory powers of the ibex; and, although