A MOUNTAIN PARADISE 89 



scopic rapidity winding valleys, waterfalls leaping 

 down steep hillsides, difficult passes, and fertile 

 meadows confront us in succession. 



But no sign of game anywhere. This is the more 

 extraordinary as it seems a perfect Eldorado for 

 wild creatures, with its splendid grazing ground, 

 running water, and complete lack of disturbing 

 elements. 



It is, of course, no use setting our hopes on bara- 

 singh in these heights ; but all the different kinds of 

 mountain sheep, goats, and ibex, where can they 

 be? 



They are faithful to the snow and make their 

 dwelling wherever their white friend decrees. Only 

 the last degree of necessity can induce them to leave 

 it and come down lower. Their hunger satisfied, 

 they return as quick as may be to their old home, 

 climbing with sure foot over rough and stony paths. 

 Here only do they feel themselves in their element, 

 beyond the reach of human machinations, under 

 cover of rocky chasms, hidden from sight and pro- 

 tected from the burning rays of the noonday sun. 

 And just below the snow-line, on the steepest hill- 

 sides, in the crevices of the most slippery rocks, and 

 in the clefts of the most perpendicular precipices 

 grow the sweetest and best-tasting grasses and herbs, 

 watered by virginal drops of melted snow, and far 

 more luscious than any that the sun himself can 

 bring to life. 



