PHOTOGRAVURE 17 



SIKHIM— IN THE HAUNTS OF THE BLACK-BACKED KALEEGE 



On the sheltered open slopes, tree ferns filter the sunshine through emerald filigree. In the neigh- 

 bouring forests we find damp moss hanging from bark, twig and leaves, and the hoofs of deer and the 

 feet of pheasants sink deeply into the soft mould. These kaleege are confined to a tiny bit of the earth's 

 surface in Sikhim and Western Bhutan, but dangers are numerous and they are on guard every moment 

 of the day, watching for snakes, civets, or even little mild-mannered mountain bears, who know how 

 delicious a meal these birds furnish. 



