THE ROCKY MOUNTAIN GOAT z 
narrow ledge. After a short distance the goats 
turned to the right, evidently following a 
cleavage line, and climbed diagonally for two 
hundred feet. They went without a slip. Most 
of the time they were climbing two abreast; 
occasionally they were three abreast. Each, 
however, kept himself safely away from the 
others. As they approached the top they 
climbed single file, old billy leading. 
This last climb proved to be the most tick- 
lish part of the ascent. The one leading stood 
on hind toes with breast pressed close against 
the cliff and reached up as far as he could with 
fore feet. He felt of the rocks until he found 
a good foothold and clinging place, then put- 
ting his strength into fore legs literally drew up 
his body. His hind feet then secured holds and 
held all gained. Again and again he stood on 
his toes and reached upward, caught a foothold, 
and pulled himself up. Just before going over 
the skyline he reached up with front feet, but 
apparently found no secure place. He edged 
along the wall a foot or two to the left and 
tried, but not satisfied with what he found, 
edged several feet to the right. Here, squat- 
ting slightly, he made a leap upward, caught 
with his fore hoofs, drew himself up, and stood 
on the skyline. After two or three seconds he 
moved on, faced about, and closely watched the 
