IX SAME HERD OF IBEX AGAIN 127 



like the one I had missed, and also because the herd was, 

 contrary to the habits of ibex, up at the snow-line so 

 early in the morning. He could only account for their 

 being so high by the fright they had experienced below. 

 The total number, about ten or twelve, agreed also with 

 that of the herd stalked yesterday. 



The question then arose as to whether we should go 

 after this herd or after markhor. I decided in favour of 

 the herd before us, as I wanted particularly to get that 

 old ibex if it were in any way possible. At the same 

 time I knew, that having been scared, the herd would 

 be exceedingly wary and very difficult of approach. 

 Noting carefully its position in the snow amongst some 

 pines, nearly at the crest of the range, we went down 

 to the stream, crossed it, and started for a weary tramp 

 up the hill, along a hollow which would bring us out 

 about half a mile to the north of where the ibex were. 

 When nearly at the top, at 9.30 a.m., we stopped amongst 

 some cedars for breakfast, so as to get it over and have 

 the day free for the stalk. That was one of the most 

 uncomfortable meals I ever ate. I was pretty wet with 

 perspiration after a climb of about an hour and a half, 

 and the cold wind chilled me at once to the bone. To 

 improve matters snow came on, and it snowed steadily 

 for nearly an hour. We were then above the snow-line, 

 and it was uncommonly cold sitting under a cedar wait- 

 inof for breakfast. 



At half-past ten we started for the stalk, or rather to 

 reconnoitre the position of the herd, with a view to a 

 stalk. We went up to the crest and travelled south 

 along it through the snow, till nearly over the hollow 



