WINTER MOUNTAINEERING 49 



I spent hours reading the news, observing the 

 illustrations, and studying the hieroglyphics on the 

 snow. Whether footprints in the mud or snow 

 may have suggested printing cannot be told, but 

 it is certain that the tracks, stains, and impressions 

 in snow print the news and record the local animal 

 doings. Here the rabbits played; there the grouse 

 searched for dinner; while over yonder the long, 

 lacy trail of a mouse ends significantly between the 

 impressions of two wing feathers. One sees a trail 

 made by a long-legged animal and another by a 

 fellow with a long body and short legs — perhaps a 

 weasel. At one place near the foot of an old tree 

 a squirrel had abandoned a cone and run home. 

 Near by was the trail of a porcupine who was well- 

 fed, well-protected, and though dull-witted, not 

 at all afraid. Apparently he hadn't any idea where 

 he was going and did not care whom he should 

 meet; for at one place he came face to face with a 

 fox and the fox turned aside. 



Footprints often reveal the excitement, hesita- 

 tion, change of plan, and the preparation of two 

 wild folks advancing and about to meet. Most 

 animals, except the grizzly, though concerned with 

 sight and scent, appear not to consider the impres- 

 sions in the tell-tale snow. 



I passed again through woods where the previous 

 winter I had walked upon ten feet of snow. In that 

 trip I had looked down upon a camp-bird cuddled in 

 an old nest. I talked to her for a minute, and, as is 



