FOLLOWING 
the eastern and southern slopes of 
the ridge. 
hi some of the paths were fresh 
deer tracks and the signs of recent 
feeding. My heart jumped at sight 
of one great hoof mark. I had meas- 
ured and studied it too often to fail 
to recognize its owner. There was 
browse here still, to be had for the 
cropping. I began to be hopeful for 
my little flock and to feel a higher 
regard for their leader, who could 
plan a yard, it seemed, as well as a 
flight, and who could not be deceived 
by early abundance into outlining a 
narrow range, forgetting the late 
snows and the 
spring hunger. 
171 
Snow 
Bound 
lull, 
