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 cafion 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 away 
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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