42 CAMP-FIRES IN THE CANADIAN ROCKIES 



down timber positively forbade it; and even in the ever- 

 green tracts there were so many fallen trees that it was 

 impossible to get on without the axe. Had we at any 

 time lost both our axes, our horses would have been com- 

 pelled to turn back and retrace their steps. 



A loaded pack-horse can step over any log that is 

 not more than twenty-six inches from the ground, but 

 before one exceeding that height, something else must be 

 done. If it is a small log, the trail-cutter chops a three- 

 foot section out of it, or cuts it in two in order that the 

 top section may fall down. If it is a large trunk, the 

 trail must go around it. A good mountain-horse can get 

 over any log that he can step over with his forelegs, for 

 with his forelegs well placed, he can successfully jump 

 his hindlegs over. 



In bad down timber, like that of lower Avalanche 

 Creek, a trail takes a course about like this, beside which 

 chain lightning is ruler-straight: 



If anything will teach a man patience, a bad case of 

 down timber will do so. There is no use in fretting over 

 it; and swearing at it is the height of folly. The secret 

 of such navigation lies in a calm determination to give 

 the horse plenty of time, and " stay with it." To hurry 

 your horses is to invite broken legs, — a thought which 

 will promptly cool down the wildest impatience. 



Naturally, the laying out of a trail calls for a quick 

 eye and good judgment in choosing the route which de- 



