THE ROCKY MOUNTAIN GOAT 7 



narrow ledge. After a short distance the goats 

 turned to the right, evidently following a 

 cleavage line, and climbed diagonally for two 

 hundred feet. They went without a slip. Most 

 of the time they were climbing two abreast; 

 occasionally they were three abreast. Each, 

 however, kept himself safely away from the 

 others. As they approached the top they 

 climbed single file, old billy leading. . 



This last climb proved to be the most tick- 

 lish part of the ascent. The one leading stood 

 on hind toes with breast pressed close against 

 the cliff and reached up as far as he could with 

 fore feet. He felt of the rocks until he found 

 a good foothold and clinging place, then put- 

 ting his strength into fore legs literally drew up 

 his body. His hind feet then secured holds and 

 held all gained. Again and again he stood on 

 his toes and reached upward, caught a foothold, 

 and pulled himself up. Just before going over 

 the skyline he reached up with front feet, but 

 apparently found no secure place. He edged 

 along the wall a foot or two to the left and 

 tried, but not satisfied with what he found, 

 edged several feet to the right. Here, squat- 

 ting slightly, he made a leap upward, caught 

 with his fore hoofs, drew himself up, and stood 

 on the skyline. After two or three seconds he 

 moved on, faced about, and closely watched the 



