After Chamois in the Asturias 287 
Asturian woods, while fresh green pastures blend in harmony 
with the riant foliage of the vine. 
Presently, following my companion, a goat-herd, who had 
been left with me, by slow degrees we reached the spot appointed 
to await our party’s return. 
Hours went by and six o'clock came before, on the sky- 
line above, they appeared, five of the monteros each bearing a 
chamois on his shoulder. Then, in the 2000-feet ravine towards 
the north, a third drive was attempted for my special benefit ; 
but the day was far spent, and during the crucial half-hour snow- 
clouds skurrying along the crests shut out all chance of seeing 
game. The beaters reported enclosing quite forty chamois, some 
of which broke downwards through the flankers, the rest passing 
a trifle wide of the guns. ‘This beat is termed “ El Arbol.” 
Long and weary was the descent, and fiendish places we had 
to pass ere the welcome camp-fires loomed up through gathering 
darkness. Those who wish to shoot chamois, should commence 
the undertaking before they have passed the half-century. 
The successful drive that was thus missed by No. 1 is here- 
under described by No. 2. We give the narrative in detail, 
inasmuch as this day’s operation was typical of the system of 
chamois-shooting as practised in the Asturian mountains. 
After leaving No. 1 as mentioned, and while proceeding to 
our next position, a number of chamois were viewed scattered in 
three groups on the hanging screes of a second gorge, a mile 
beyond that which we had intended to beat. After consultation 
held, it was decided to alter the plan and to send the guns 
completely round the outer periphery of encircling heights so as 
to command the passes immediately above the game. ‘This 
involved two hours’ climbing and incidentally three detours, 
scrambling each time down the precipitous moraine to avoid 
showing in sight of the chamois. 
Upon reaching the reverse point, the Conde and I were 
assigned the most likely posts ; and these being also the highest, 
a final heart-breaking climb up a thousand feet of loose rocks 
succeeded. Chamois, like ibex, when disturbed instinctively 
make for the highest ground, hence our occupation of the topmost 
passes. Cheered on by the Conde, himself as hard as steel, the 
effort was accomplished, and I sank down, breathless, parched, and 
exhausted, behind a big rock that was indicated as my position. 
