262 



Bird - Lore 



and, while hunting and collecting, we were given quarters with Mr. Andrew Scott 

 on Crane Lake and with the Messrs. Baynton on Big Stick Lake. To these 

 gentlemen we are indebted not alone for entertainment but for much practical 

 assistance. 



July 2 , we resumed our western journey in search now of those arctic birds which 

 on the alpine summits of the Rocky Mountains find congenial surroundings. 



After inquiry at various places, we decided to camp near the Ptarmigan Lakes, 

 where we were informed the birds we wanted could be found. Saddle and pack- 



MR. FUERTES ABOUT TO STROKE A WHITE-TAILED PTARMIGAN 



ON ITS NEST 

 The bird left the nest a moment later 



horses and a guide were secured at Laggan, and on July 8, we encamped near 

 timber-Hne, here at an altitude of 7,500 feet, just below the entrance to Ptarmi- 

 gan pass. 



The alpine spring was at its height. The wet meadows from which the snow 

 had but lately disappeared were yellow with buttercups, the borders of the rapidly 

 shrinking snowbanks were starred with large white alpine anemones; on the 

 drier slopes heath and heather bloomed luxuriantly, and the rocks were covered 

 with flowering Dryas. The lakes were still ice-bound, the mercury reached the 

 freezing point nightly, and we experienced storms of snow and sleet, our tent, 

 one morning, being stiff with ice. 



