longer ago than a century. As no steep slope 

 came down upon the few acres of flat surround- 

 ing the cabin, we appeared to be in a slide- 

 proof situation. However, to the north was a 

 high snow-piled peak that did not look assur- 

 ing, even though between it and the cabin was 

 a gorge and near by a rocky ridge. Somewhat 

 acquainted with the ways of slides, I lay awake 

 in the cabin, waiting to hear the muffled 

 thunder-storm of sound which would proclaim 

 that slides were "running." 



Snow-slides may be said to have habits. Like 

 water, they are governed by gravity. Both in 

 gulches and on mountain-sides, they start most 

 readily on steep and comparatively smooth 

 slopes. If a snow-drift is upon a thirty-degree 

 incline, it may almost be pushed into sliding 

 with a feather. A slope more steeply inclined 

 than thirty degrees does not offer a snow-drift 

 any visible means of support. Unless this slope 

 be broken or rough, a snow-drift may slide off 

 at any moment. 



In the course of a winter, as many as half a 

 dozen slides may start from the same place and 



