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my friend, the farmer and lessee of Sierra Blanca, with whom I was staying, and who, 

 I knew, had lived some time there, my surprise and delight were great to hear him ask 

 me why I wished to go so far when I could get ibex close at hand ? I could scarcely 

 credit this good news, and determined to put it to the test at once, notwithstanding the 



FIVE IBEX TROPHIES BAGGED BY MR. PAIiLO LARIOS IN THE SIERRA DE OJEN, 

 ALL BUT ONE IN THE AUTUMN, BETWEEN 1889 AND 1899 



(The horns measure on outside curve between 20 and 22 in.) 



many difificulties placed in the way by my friend, such as that the sun was too hot ; the 

 climb too stiff; I could not stand it, etc., etc. 



I was off the next morning before daybreak, accompanied by two guardas (keepers) 

 and a cazador (hunter), Melchan by name, who knew every inch of the Sierra, and to 

 whom I chiefly owe my success, if I may so call it, in ibex-stalking. 



