34 SHOOTING ALPINE IBEX 



We motored from Aosta to Castle Sarre, 

 beautifully situated in the Aosta valley. Here 

 we breakfasted. 



After motoring in the broiling sun for half an 

 hour, we reached the little village where mules 

 were awaiting us, and we began our climb to 

 the hunting-lodge. 



Four and a half hours the ride lasted alto- 

 gether. Half-way we could see traces of an ibex 

 drive, during which the King had shot twenty- 

 two ibex. I was fortunate enough, by running 

 up a slope, to shoot two with the King's own 

 weapon. 



The whole neighbourhood had gathered to- 

 gether for the drive. The mountaineers, in 

 their gay attire, made a very pretty picture. 

 With the King, we made our way to the 

 hunting- lodge of Valsavaranci. Situated at 

 an altitude of about 6000 feet, the hunting- 

 lodge is a very simple, one-storey building 

 with tiny rooms, which remind one of barracks,, 

 and a small eating-room. Close to the house 

 are the mules' stables. The whole establish- 

 ment, including the camp for the drivers and 



