102 THE ADVENTURES OF A NATURE GUIDE 



contempt for the duller wits of the world, and to 

 indulge in a flow of philosophic thought concerning 

 wild-folk habits and follies. 



During a temporary calm in proceedings two 

 deer passed not far away. They had perhaps 

 come down from a moorland where early snows 

 temporarily covered their grazing land. A num- 

 ber of Bighorn sheep, which had long been enjoying 

 these unusual demonstrations in their stamping 

 ground, stood gazing from a gallery of a boulder 

 pile. They had no fear of being molested, for in 

 a fraction of a second they could drop off the ledge 

 and descend into the cahon in safety. 



I could have watched this mixed populace of the 

 wilderness not only for hours, but for days. What 

 I had seen was only a small part of that wonderful 

 transformation of the quiet, treeless realm which 

 occurs once a year, occupying, with variations, 

 several days. It is a strange and scenic common 

 meeting place of bird and beast, friend and foe. 



