222 WANDERINGS OF A 



and Changos, firmly resolved, in spite of very discouraging- 

 reports of the state of the pass, to push our way across into 

 the Wurdwun valley. We had sent a shickaree who knew 

 the country to reconnoitre ; but he always returned with 

 most dismal accounts of continued falls of snow on the 

 ranges northward. After leaving Changos the road winds up 

 a densely-wooded valley, running eastwaM to the village of 

 Nahug-ney, which is situated about five mUes up the valley, 

 and composed, of a few log-houses. Again we found our- 

 selves retrograding into spring ; the foliage was just out on 

 the walnut-trees, and the cuckoo's chant was heard all over 

 the strath. I amused myself in the afternoon watching the 

 golden-crested wren (Begvlus cristatus) and crested black tit, 

 hunting among the pine-branches, whilst numbers of flam- 

 meous flycatchers were seen sporting overhead ; but only for 

 a few minutes, for they are restless Httle creatures, and never 

 remain long in any situation. On the following day the 

 journey was contiaued during a constant downpour of rain 

 and sleet. The route lay up a densely-wooded valley. It 

 was no use attempting to weather the storm, so after several 

 hours' exposure we sought shelter in a log-house, and waited 

 until afternoon, and then pushed on through the forest, up a 

 gradual ascent, to a log-hut near the foot of the pass, gener- 

 ally used as a halting-place for travellers on their way to and 

 from Wurdwun. A white-cheeked marten- and silver fox 

 were seen that day, and the deathlike stUlness of the' forest 

 was now and then broken by the loud plaintive call of the 

 black and yellow grosbeak (Coccothraustes icterioides). At dusk 

 several woodcocks were seen crossing the clearing in the 

 forest. We lighted a fire, and sat for hours anxiously looking 

 for the baggage, which, however, did not arrive until near mid- 

 night. Dismal and cheerless was our condition ; wet through. 



