28 WILD FLOWERS OF COLORADO. 



accompanying mc. He was lying quietly at my side, watching 

 me, first looking at my painting, then at the cactus, with a look 

 that plainly showed him to be a critic. At that moment a little 

 squirrel ran a few feet in front of us. The dog's quick car caught 

 the sound, and in an instant there was a leap and then a yell most 

 fearful to hear ; not one but many, for the poor fellow had jumped 

 on a cactus bush and the thorns were piercing his body. I ran 

 to his assistance and helped him from the bush, then acting the 

 part of surgeon I pulled from his legs seven thorns as long as pins 

 and quite as stiff. 



I know of no greater punishment to man or beast than to be 

 thrown upon a cactus bush, and the squirrel must have felt great 

 satisfaction in seeing his enemy so severely chastised. Seeing 

 the dog safe in camp I returned and finished my sketch unpro- 

 tected. My companion of the morning had no desire to go 

 with me. 



Taking a different path back to camp I had gone but a short 

 distance when I discovered this dwarf or cup cactus. It had 

 many companions and each one looked like a miniature flower 

 bed, so thick were its blossoms. I selected this one for its perfect 

 shape and handsome straw-colored flower in full bloom. IMany 

 of this species grow close to the ground in clusters like a little 

 family. This one was the largest of the group and I looked upon 

 it with much reverence, for, from the majestic poise of its beautiful 

 head, I felt sure it was the mother of the family. 



On reaching camp I found two ol oiu- lumters had returned. 



