240 BIRDS OF THE ROCKIES 



However, there was ample compensation in the ascent 

 of Gray's Peak. As we clambered up the steep and 

 rugged side of the mountain, sometimes wading snow 

 up to our knees, then making a short cut straight up 

 the acclivity to avoid the snow-banks, unable to follow 

 the trail a large part of the way, we were suddenly made 

 aware of the presence of another fearless feathered com- 

 rade. With a chirp that was the very quintessence of 

 good cheer and lightness of heart, he hopped about on 

 the snow, picking dainties from his immaculate table- 

 cloth, and permitting us to approach him quite close 

 before he thought it worth while to take to wing. We 

 were happy indeed to meet so companionable a little 

 friend, one that, amid these lonely and awe-inspiring 

 heights, seemed to feel so much at ease and exhibited 

 so confiding a disposition. Was it fancy or was it 

 really true ? He appeared to be giving us a hospitable 

 welcome to his alpine home, telling us we might ven- 

 ture upward into cloudland or skyland without peril ; 

 then, to make good his assurance, he mounted upward 

 on resilient wings to prove how little danger there was. 

 We were doubly glad for our little seer, for just then 

 we needed someone to " prophesy smooth things " to us. 

 The bird was the brown-capped leucosticte or rosy finch. 

 Thus far I have used the singular number, but the 

 plural would have been more accurate, for there were 

 many of these finches on the acclivity and summit, all 



