148 REMINISCENCES OF A SPORTSMAN. 



and I went one day alone to shoot some. I succeeded 

 in killing one, which fell over the ridge of the cliff. 

 I determined to make an attempt to recover it. I had 

 not descended the precipice more than a few feet, 

 which I accomplished with much difficulty, when I 

 beheld with terror through a small crevice the yawn- 

 ing gulf three or four hundred feet below me, the 

 waves washing its base. To describe my feelings at 

 this moment is impossible. Eecovering in some degree 

 I examined minutely my position and the safest way 

 of retracing my steps, I observed in one place a small 

 projection of the rock, and was convinced that if I 

 got a steady footing on it I should be able to reach with 

 my hand a large projection of the cliff, and gain my 

 ascent to terra hrma. I fortunately succeeded, but if I 

 had missed or lost my balance I must have gone head- 

 long down the precipice into the sea. Although this 

 occurred five and forty years ago, I cannot reflect on my 

 dangerous situation without a sensation of terror. 



