UP THE MIESING. 57 



cular as might be, and, except that the strata of rock 

 formed projecting ridges, there was hardly a footing 

 to be obtained. However, if there are latschen one 

 may climb almost anywhere. We stopped occasion- 

 ally to look across with our glasses and scan its rocky 

 face, in order to see if perchance a solitary buck were 

 loitering there alone. But not a thing, animate or 

 inanimate, was stirring. As I looked up at the preci- 

 pice I observed to Berger, " To get along there would 

 be no easy matter eh ? What think you, could you 

 manage it?" 



" I went along there some time ago, when out with 

 Mr. * * *. He wounded a chamois, and it climbed 

 upwards along the wall. It was difficult work, for 

 there was nothing to hold on by ; and what grass I 

 found was not firm, and gave way in my grasp. 

 Once I was rather uncomfortable, for while hanging 

 to the rock with both arms raised my rifle swung for- 

 ward over my arm." 



" Ay, that is a horrid situation ; let go your hold 

 you dare not; and how to get the rifle back again 

 one does not know either. When it swings down and 

 knocks against the rock, it almost makes one lose all 

 balance. The rifle is sadly in the way in such diffi- 

 cult places. Without it " 



" Oh, without it," said Berger, interrupting me, 

 " one could go any and everywhere. Without it I 

 could climb through the world. The rifle makes an 

 immense difference. But, as I was saying, at last I 

 got up and reached the chamois. The coming down, 



