40 AMERICAN GAME. 



icicles. At the foot of the fall, the blue water rushed 

 out, dashing the white foam many feet in the air ; and 

 through the thick woods which overhung the cascade, 

 the sun cast his rays upon the gorgeous prospect, making 

 every object throw forth a thousand brilliant shades, 

 and the glittering ice which encircled the fall was so 

 transparent, that the blue water could be seen beneath 

 dashing furiously down, as if enraged at restraint. Not 

 ten feet from the verge of the fall, on a rock in the 

 centre of the river, stood the wounded Cariboo. The 

 water around him was fearfully rapid one false step 

 would carry him under the ice, and down the fall. On 

 the bank stood the 'dog : my first care was to, secure him, 

 as he appeared ready every instant to make a spring 

 that must have been fatal. The Cariboo had chosen a 

 most admirable place of retreat ; nothing living could 

 approach him with safety. On each side the perpen- 

 dicular cliffs towered many feet over his head before 

 him the roaring torrent, and behind the ice-bound cata- 

 ract. After feasting my eyes on this wild and romantic 

 scene, I approached as near the fall as the rugged cliff 

 would permit. The Cariboo saw me, and with glaring 

 eye-balls he shook his branching antlers in impotent 

 rage, presenting to my rifle his broad front, as in defi- 

 ance. I am not ashamed to say I was happy when I 

 glanced at the rapid water and rugged cliff between me 

 and my devoted prey ; for I have no doubt, had it been 

 in his power he would have soon shortened the distance 



