THE FINAL STALK 73 



from the creek directly up to near the crest, ending against 

 shagged precipices, pinnacled above by high peaks of 

 limestone and iron-stained rock which, under the sunlight, 

 displayed a wonderful harmony of colors red, black, 

 and white. The slope was furrowed by three ravines, 

 and through the bottom of each fell brooks, dashing and 

 leaping over the rocks of the sharp decline. From a dis- 

 tance these ravines looked like deep concave depres- 

 sions, giving a wavy appearance to the broad mountain 

 face. 



Three of the rams, including the one with big horns, 

 were feeding in the middle ravine; the other six were 

 standing on the edge of the next one, which was so pre- 

 cipitous that it was more like a deep canon on the moun- 

 tain side. In studying an approach, it appeared to be 

 quite possible to climb out of sight in the ravine to the 

 right, but should the rams in the meanwhile feed in that 

 direction, they would surely see me. Though it required 

 more time, I decided to pass clear around the mountain, 

 and by winding up the south-east side come in sight above 

 them, thus avoiding any possibility of their seeing me 

 unless they should go back over the crest, which for the 

 next few hours was unlikely. 



I waded the creek, circled, and began the ascent 

 through the timber, where were rabbits and spruce grouse, 

 not observed nearer to the divide. Coming out on the 

 south side and circling upward, I not only found it very 

 steep, but it was extremely difficult to force my way 

 through the dense growth of dwarf birch which covered 

 the lower slopes of the south exposure. But gradually 



