BURRUL STALKING. 157 



are very cunning, and, notwithstanding their traces 

 are often seen on the snowy ranges, comparatively 

 few are bagged. 



Whilst I was performing the operation of skin- 

 ning the leopard, and my companions were breaking 

 up the other game, Chineah espied something 

 moving on a grassy patch in a ravine high up 

 amongst the rocks on the left bank, and with the aid 

 of my glass I made out a large flock of burrul, some 

 of which were lying down, and the others quietly 

 grazing. It was of no use, I knew, approaching 

 them from below, as the ground was unfavourable 

 for stalking, and we should have stood no chance of 

 getting within range without being perceived ; so 

 we arranged that Fred should creep along through 

 the birch forest and clamber up the hill on the 

 further side, whilst the Doctor and I should try and 

 get above on the near side, so as to take them on 

 both flanks. 



After a careful reconnaissance of their position, 

 we crept noiselessly upwards, keeping our bodies 

 bent as low^ as possible, so as not to attract their 

 attention ; and by dint of hard climbing, often on 



