278 



Hunting the Mule -Deer in Colorado. 



A DISSOLVING VIEW. 



or on difficult crossings of swampy bottoms, where slow progress 

 makes it necessary for a party to widen out, each picking his own 

 way. By careful scrutiny of the far side of the open space, morass, 

 or intervening growth, you may usually see, or at least see indica- 

 tions, of the trail you seek. 



To save meat for future use, cut it in thin strips, with the grain, 

 and string them on a lariat in the sun. After a few hours of expos- 

 ure, which may be at successive camps if necessary, it will be thor- 

 oughly "jerked." Salt is not indispensable. 



Always have matches about you, in some water-proof receptacle. 



Let a bear cub alone. Fool with an old bear if you must, but 

 be sure there is no small family about. 



In fording a river, look out for "quicks." These, I believe, are 

 never found in swift water. The "riffles" — a term probably peculiar 

 to the West, where the stream widens, or below a bend, particularly 

 if there be islands or bars — indicate the places where you may 

 attempt to ford. 



Choose rocky or clayey ground, if possible, or clear sand, to 

 build your fire upon ; if on a muck of pine-needles, it will bur- 

 row, and water will not quench it all. Then, in a day or two, the 

 whole country is burning over and the game driven away, to say 

 nothing of the possible peril to others, and the destruction of the 

 forests. 



This is not the whole art of woodcraft, but it will do to begin 

 with, and may suffice. As a closing word, I advise you to be tern- 



