78 HUNTING THE TAKIN 



narrow ridge where we stood a magnificent view 

 was obtained. Range after range stretched away 

 to the west, a few fleecy clouds resting on the 

 highest peaks ; a wide valley extended far below 

 us to the north, and all, save where the rocks and 

 slides made pronounced grey and white splashes, 

 was of a vivid green. We halted for a spy, the 

 hunters squatting native fashion, while George and 

 I pulled out our glasses and settled ourselves 

 among the rocks. For a few moments no one 

 spoke, and then George quietly remarked, " I've 

 got them ! " We made them out, two great 

 yellow forms moving amid the rocks on the far 

 side of the basin. They were our first takin, and 

 never shall I forget that moment. Their colour, 

 I fancy, is what struck us all more than anything 

 in their appearance. It was the reincarnation of 

 the Golden Fleece. 



I have already described their appearance at 

 some length, so that it is unnecessary to dilate 

 upon it here. We watched them moving in a 

 rather clumsy, lumbering way about the hill-side, 

 and then set about getting closer. The wind was 

 from the east, and a detour round the top of the 

 basin our only means of approach. The actual 

 distance was not long, but it look us an hour to 

 reach the spot from which the descent had to be 

 made. Here a higher and even rockier top than 

 those which we had already traversed confronted 

 us. From its side sprang an enormous jagged spur, 

 which stretched into the depths of a deep gully 

 on our left. Stopping again for a spy, the doctor 

 almost immediately detected a herd of takins. 

 They were lying about in the sun directly above 



