In North- West Gan<l. 99 



Peaks and vast pyramids of rock with curiously contorted and 

 folded strata, are followed by gigantic castellated masses, 

 down whose sides cascades fall thousands of feet. Tne mar- 

 vellous clearness of the air brings out the minutest detail of 

 this Titanic sculpture. Through the gorges we catch glimpses 

 of glaciers and other strange and rare sights, and now and 

 then of wild goats and mountain sheep grazing on the cliffs 

 far above us, near the snow line. The mountains would be 

 oppressive in their grandeur, their solemnity, and their soli- 

 tude, but for an occasional mining village or a sportman's tent 

 which gives a human interest to the scene. Three hours after 

 leaving Calgary, we pass the famous anthracite mines near the 

 base of Cascade Mountain, and soon after stop at the station 

 of Banff, already famous for its hot and sulphurous springs, 

 which produce wonderful curative powers, and which attract 

 people from great distances. The district for miles about has 

 been reserved by the Canadian Government as a national park, 

 and much has already been done to make its beauties acces- 

 sible. Banff possesses a large and handsome hotel, perched on 

 a hill overlooking the beautiful valley of Bow River. Half a 

 dozen ranges of magnificent snow-tipped mountains centre 

 here, each differing from the others in form and colour ; and 

 the converging valleys separating them afford matchless views 

 in all directions. Well made carriage roads and bridle paths 

 lead to the different springs and wind about among the moun- 

 tains everywhere. Should a brief sojourn here be decided 

 upon, the sportsman may enjoy very good duck shooting on the 

 Vermillion Lakes, a short distance from the hotel. In summer 

 several species of ducks are reported as breeding here, amongst 

 them being Barrow's golden eye and the harlequin duck, as well 

 as several common species. 



Five miles from Banff is Devil's Lake, a sheet of water 

 twelve miles long and one mile in width. Here also Barrow's 

 golden eye and harlequin duck are summer residents, along 

 with gulls and other waterfowl. Barrow's golden eye has been 

 found nesting as far south as the mountains of Colorado. 

 Though this bird nests among the mountain lakes of the 



