130 CAMP-FIRES OF A NATURALIST. 



a buckskin suit, " but you can depend on it, Mister, 

 that one old ram will always see you. He's jest 

 sure to see you if you're in sight. One old ram is 

 always on the lookout on the top crag, while the 

 others of the band are feeding below on the slope." 



" How did you get two of them if they are so shy?" 



" Oh, we came upon them while they were in the 

 woods and didn't expect us. Then we fellers have 

 had lots pf experience hunting wild things, and can 

 get animals you fellers can't." 



This big talk did not have the effect of deterring 

 the party, for Dyche believed that if anyone else 

 could get a sheep he could. A mile's walk took the 

 naturalist and his companions to the ideal spot for a 

 camp, and here preparations for a long stay were 

 made. A mile to the north two towering peaks raised 

 their heads to the sky, while between them a clear, 

 ice-cold stream dashed down over the rocks and 

 bowlders, making constant music through the 

 grassy valley. On the west side of the stream the 

 valley sloped gently back to the higher mountains, 

 while the thick grass made a carpet of green. Mid- 

 way between the water and the rising ground stood 

 a bunch of spruce trees, forming a background for 

 the camp, which was pitched just to the east of the 

 trees. The horses were put on ropes, the tents set 

 and carpeted with spruce boughs, the fire started and 

 supper begun, and the naturalist and his friends were 

 at home. 



The judge confessed that he did not know much 

 about cooking, and had been afraid to try his hand 

 heretofore lest he should spoil the meal ; but he had 



