The Yellowstone Park 



rugged portions of the country along the 

 summit of the ridges, elk are seldom seen, 

 although well-worn trails traverse the passes 

 of the range at high altitudes, and may be 

 safely followed by travelers as the easiest 

 routes across the mountains. 



In an unexplored country, elk trails afford 

 the best means of travel ; they are well laid 

 out and lead to good camping-grounds. More- 

 over, if there are any outlooks in the forest, or 

 bare points on cliff or canon wall, the trails 

 will pretty surely take one there. I am much 

 indebted to the elk for fine points of observa- 

 tion. Animals are not supposed to be lovers 

 of nature. As regards the elk, this, I think, 

 is an error. From long observation, I believe 

 they have an appreciation of the picturesque 

 and the grand. So thoroughly have I felt this 

 that frequently when encamped in some beau- 

 tiful and secluded nook, I have strolled aw^ay 

 from the noise of the camp with a firm belief 

 that at dusk these animals would visit the spot, 

 attracted by its beauties, if by nothing else. 



Possibly there are sportsmen who, having 

 shot their elk, are not again attracted toward 

 them, as toward other big game; they are 

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