326 RECENT HUNTING TRIPS. 



was not far from the foothiUs of a fine range of 

 mountains lying between the south fork of 

 the MacmiUan and the PeUy River, so I deter- 

 mined to use it as a base, and to carry some 

 provisions and a light camp outfit up nearly to 

 the limit of forest growth. From there I could 

 hunt the bare mountains above in search of 

 caribou. 



On the morning of Tuesday, August 28th, 

 with heavy packs on our backs, we started for 

 the mountains ; and late in the afternoon when, 

 after an exceedingl}'' tiring climb, we were at 

 length approaching the open downs above the 

 timber-line, we sighted two caribou high up on 

 the hillside above us. 



As we had now been some days without fresh 

 meat it was at once decided that I should try 

 and shoot one of them, and that whilst I was 

 doing so, Coghlan and Thomas should push on 

 up the vaUey we were then following, and look 

 for a good camping-place near its head. They 

 were to go on by short stages, taking it in 

 turns to go back and bring on my pack. 



Relieved of this burden I climbed rapidly 



