120 CAMP-FIRES OF A NATURALIST. 



thirteen different generic names upon it, some mak- 

 ing it a sheep, others classing it as a goat, while 

 others again ranked it with the chamois." 



So thoroughly was Dyche impressed with the ne- 

 cessity of prompt action in the matter of securing 

 specimens that he did not wait for the board of 

 regents of the university to consider his plan, but made 

 immediate arrangements for an expedition to the far 

 Northwest after big game. British Columbia was 

 selected as the proper ground, and after a month's 

 preparation he was ready to start. This preparation 

 included daily target practice with two new rifles : a 

 Winchester, 40-82 model of 1886, and a 40-75 Reming- 

 ton. Day after day the practice was continued, until 

 over forty pounds of lead had been shot at every con- 

 ceivable form of target, under every possible circum- 

 stance which his experience had taught him he 

 might expect in the woods of the Cascade range. 

 Rolling and stationary targets were fired at from a 

 standstill or while running ; he would run at full speed 

 forty or fifty yards and then fire, until he became 

 familiar with his guns under all circumstances and 

 until he felt that he had full control over his nerves 

 and muscles as well as a perfect knowledge of just 

 what his guns would do. Tarpaulins, for covering 

 packs and drying skins, heavy pack-bags and smaller 

 sacks of canvas were made, every possible want was 

 cared for, and on the morning of July 3d he left Law- 

 rence, reaching Denver on the 4th. 



A few days were spent here waiting for Judge 

 Frederick A. Williams and Dr. J. W. Anderson, 

 who were to accompany him with a local taxidermist 



