The Wild Goat on Orizaba 



2 33 



name?" Some of the heads that are brought into 

 Avalon by goat hunters are remarkable for their spread 

 of horn, and there are several patriarchs that have for 

 years defied hunters of high and low degree. 



In riding over the island after wild goats or quail, 

 one occasionally sees foxes, while the whir of the valley 

 quail fills the air at times. For years there was a herd 

 of mysterious burros that had run wild and defied cap- 

 ture. This may seem incredible, but those familiar 

 with the gentle burro of the mainland have little or no 

 idea of the speed attained by the same animal when he 

 returns to nature. 



I once rode upon these animals on the west side of 

 the island, and, mounted on a good horse, made the 

 attempt to catch them. There were three, one taller 

 than the others. They stood and looked at me for a mo- 

 ment, the next we were in a whirlwind race over a bad 

 country strewn with rocks. I certainly gained on them, 

 but I was surprised to see how long it took. In the end 

 I ran the burros down, and could possibly have roped 

 one, when they dashed headlong down a steep cafton 

 and disappeared, relieving me of the embarrassment. 



To see this interesting island with its rare flora, in 

 some instances unique, its wealth of archaeological lore, 

 its wild and attractive scenery, one should become a goat 

 hunter, take a man like Mexican Joe, the oldest guide 

 and inhabitant, who knows the island thoroughly, a 

 good saddle horse, and a single burro, and make the 

 trip from one end to the other, sleeping in the open. 



