SEARCHING FOR SHEEP 121 



crest, constantly pausing to scan the steep slopes below, 

 now advancing to the edge of a vast precipice, now round- 

 ing a ledge to seek a view of places where sheep might 

 remain sheltered from the wind. There was not a sound 

 but that from the gusts of wind whirling the snow in clouds 

 about me, and the occasional croaks of ravens flying by. 

 Several large flocks of ptarmigan passed close to the crest, 

 and when flying across the sun their wings reflected an 

 exquisite tint of pink in contrast with the white plumage 

 of their bodies. 



After traversing the crest to the north end, I started 

 to descend the steep, dangerous slope in order to return 

 along its foot where I would be less exposed to the piercing 

 wind. When half way down I seated myself to take a 

 look through my field-glasses, and saw seven ewes and 

 lambs lying down a hundred yards above the timber 

 directly below me. They were all alertly watching, and 

 one ewe seemed to be looking directly at me. Quickly 

 sliding into a hollow which led down the slope, I worked 

 my way to a ledge about three hundred yards above 

 them, and, creeping to the edge, looked over. They were 

 still lying down, all looking up the mountain except one, 

 which kept watching below. They had not seen me, 

 and were peacefully resting, but keeping their heads 

 erect in alert, nervous attitudes. My disappointment at 

 not finding rams on such a high, rough mountain was 

 keen, and fearing that other sheep from this district 

 might not be obtained, I determined to kill two of them. 

 Taking a seat at the edge of the ledge for the purpose of 

 studying a method of descent, I found that it was impos- 



