260 
FOREST AND STREAM. 
THE WINTER STORMS OF NEVADA; 
ITS FAUNA AND ORNITHOLOGY. 
CHAPTER in. 
T 
HE Summers of Nevatln are unsurpassed for calm- 
ness and loveliness. The clearness of the sky and 
the purity of the atmosphero render the country very at- 
tractive during this seasou of the year; indeed, so pure fc 
the atmosphere throughout all this elevated country that 
fresh meat hung up in the open air will not taint, and yet 
the weather may be excessively hot. The warm weather 
continues through the Autumn months and frequently 
through the month of December. There was no snow un- 
til the first day of January; December was as pleasant as 
September iu New York. When Winter sets in everybody 
is sensible of the fact; for the change is very sudden. 
These changes are very frequent, and are usually accom- 
panied with terrific winds und suow. Some of these 
storms arc awfully sublime. “ Winds war with winds, 
storm howls to storm,” and woe to the traveler who is 
caught upon these wide plains during one of these storms. 
Such is the blinding influence of the swiftly whirling snow 
while driven by the maddening winds, which seem to blow 
from every point of the compass, that the traveler is almost 
sure to lose his way. The roads fill up immediately, and 
there being no fences to guide the traveler in this country, 
the scenery around him soon becomes one wide sheet of 
snow, and such is the bewildering effect of the storm that 
lie soon becomes lost, and if he moves at all is liable tc 
move in a circle. Many have been unfortunate victims ol 
these Winter storms. The only safe way when caught in 
one of them is to stand still or not move any distance until 
the storm abates, which it generally does iu twelve lioura, 
though sometimes it continues longer. 
One of these storms recently occurred when the moun- 
tains surrounding the vullcy, snowing their lofty summits 
in the air, looked twice as high as usuul, being covered 
with a mantle of snow, while the plains below were also 
covered to the depth of a foot, and stretching out us far as 
the eye could reach, looked like a sen of ice, while thou- 
sands of cattle were seen dotted over the surface, cropping 
the tall grass which shoots above it. It is quite impossible 
to ascertain the depth of snow-fall at any time in conse- 
quence of its drifting. These drifting winds cause the 
necessity of those euormous snow sheds and suow guards 
on the Rocky Mountains and the .Sierra Nevadas. Persons 
not having seen these protections cannot form any concep- 
tion of the labor anil expense required in constructing 
them. The guards are built in the form of fences, with 
boards leaning at an angle of thirty degrees, always point- 
ing toward the railroad, at t^listunce of ten rods from the 
track. In some place they ure double, one constructed be- 
hind the other at a distance of five or six rods. During 
the Summer months they are removed. Cattle suffer much 
during the prevalence Of these storms, while their calves 
suffer from the ravages of the coyote or prairie wolf, which 
prowl around herds watching an opportunity to destroy 
the young calves, which arc as liable to drop in mid-winter 
as iu the Spring. The coyotes often go in droves, and 
pounce on a young calf; while the mother singles out a 
wolf to fight, the rest of the pack seize the calf und soon 
destroy it. 
The sleighing in Nevada generally lasts ono or two 
months. Such sleighs as are used here would be a novelty 
in the East. Planks rounded at oue end serve for runners; 
upon the upper edge of these are fastened cross-beams- 
then a box is framed and fasteued on; a pole is added und 
the sleigh is ready for use. No buffalo robes are used in 
this country, but in their stead large California blankets. 
The people in Nevada dress much warmer duriug the 
Winter tbnn in the Eastern States. 
In reference to the fauna of this country: Wild animals 
nre not found iu large numbers excepting some particular 
kinds. This is owing doubtless to the luck of deep forests, 
thick junglesitud swamps which uhound in the Eastern 
Stutes, yet there are wild animals here, and some that ure 
not seen as far East as the Kocky Mountains. We have 
the black tailed deer, which live on the mountains, shelter- 
ing themselves among the pines, cedars, and mahogany 
winch cover the foot-hills and line the sides of their deep- 
cut cauoii9. These deer, when taken alive, command $100 
for shipmeut to the Eastern Stales. Antelope arc found 
here as well ns on the eastern side of the Kocky Mountains. 
It is a beautiful auimal, of a pale red and white color, und 
larger, 1 think, than specimens seen east of the mountains 
Borne arc quite as large as the Virginia deer. They are 
easily lamed, and ure a beautiful and harmless pet. In- 
dians capture fawns and sell them from $2 50 to $5 each 
The red fox is seen in the mountains, and the hare and 
rabbit family are represented in overwhelming numbers 
both in the valley and mountainous regions. The hare here 
is different from any I liuvc seen elsewhere. It is larger 
longer, and taller; its ears stand erect, and are as long us i 
mule’s; in running they bound like a deer; no dog but i 
grayhound cuu overtake one. I have taken a number 
wbicli weighed from ten to twenty pounds. Their color ii 
gray in bummer and white in Winter. There is a rabbi 
nearly as large as the hare which is gray the whole yeur 
it has a black tail These are called here jack rabbits 
Another kind is called the cotton-tailed rabbit, but is o 
smaller size and red with a white fuce. This variety live 
mostly in the mountains. Still another variety lives in tin 
valleys, and harrows in the thick brush and grass- it j s tin 
smallest variety I ever saw, nud darts like lightning out c 
sight to some thick covert. The Indians subsist urinei 
pally on rabbits during the Winter. 
The coyote is a very troublesome animal, and is abou 
the size of a good sized dog. They prowl around dwell 
ings at night and rob lien roosts and cellars if they can ge 
in. and were it not for the uumber of dogs kept for herd 
ing cattle they would be still more troublesome. Hut few 
dogs can master a coyote single-handed. It is umusm^ t< 
observe a pack of wolves on the track of a hare or jucl 
rabbit. They cuu both outrun the wolves, who seen 
never to tire; the hare weuried stops to paut for breath 
the wolves now spread out to head off his doubling am 
dodging, which they do expertly, but the wolves bold oi 
until the timid hare yields, when the king coyote takes bin 
in h.s mouth and walks off in a lordly manner, tbe nex 
fol'owi.ig close behind quietly until hi, lordship shall cou 
. l n 1 > U r V ‘ d - U 1 J® 8pul1, bul 1,c is sure first secure t( 
himself the lion s share, while the rest only get the odd: 
and cuds. Sheep are not kept in the valiey of Nevada 
co meVextLt ° ° Witl1 pruflt until coyote be 
There are lynx, bear, and wild cats in tbe mountains, 
The cinnamon and grizzly bear are not found east of the 
Sierras. Mountain sheep also inhabit the mountains, but 
are not very plentiful; they are found in larger numbers 
north ol Nevada iu Idaho. Elk were found here a few 
years ago, but they have disappeared since the valleys have 
been inhabited. Buffaloes have not been seen west of the 
Kocky Mountains. Badgers are found in great abundance; 
they burrow in the giotind; their holes are seen every- 
where in the valleys and mountains. They are ferocious 
creatures to encounter; when beset by dogs they throw 
themselves on their backs and fight with claws and teeth, 
the latter being as sharp ns needles. I saw one caught 
lately, and though low and short-legged, was quite a load 
to carry. The Indians regard the badger among the most 
dainty 'meats of the country. There arc no other quad- 
rupeds of note, except the beaver, that I have not named. 
Gophers und ground squirrels are plenty everywhere. Rat- 
tlesnakes are plenty among the rocks on the mountain 
sides. In the valleys there is a very long and large brown 
striped smute called the racer. I have seen some of these 
coiled up, but never gave them a thorough inspection. 
The ornithology of this country furnishes as great n va- 
riety perhaps as the nature of tho country will admit. 
There are no wild turkeys here; they require forests in 
which to roost; but wild geese ure in abundance; so are 
also sand hill cranes, which go in llocks like the geese 
and traverse grain fields after harvest. Thousands of ducks 
of various species inhabit the valleys and cations of the 
mountains. Prairie chickens and sage hens abound here, 
the latter feeding mostly on the black sage brush. They 
are about as good for the table as the prairie chicken if 
dressed as soon as taken, but if kept any length of time 
their flesh becomes rank aud unsavory There are no wild 
pigeons, hut thousands of magpies and turtle doves, which 
fill the cations with their music. The pine bird inhabits 
the mountain pines: it is also called the fool bird, and is a 
good table bird. I have never seen a crow in Nevada, but 
there is a raven, which is twice as large as a crow, 
and its habits are quite different. Eagles and hawks 
of various kinds inhabit the mountains iu abundance. 
Among the small birds are the robin, meadow lurk, blue 
jay, and black bird. According as the Winter advnuccs 
the cold becomes more intense, aud is mostly coufined to 
the nights. The middle of the day is quite warm and 
pleasant. The mercury will run up to 40 s iu the sun, hut 
as soon as the sun falls behind the mountains the atmos- 
phere changes, and before morning the mercury will fall 
to 10° to 20" below zero, and notwithstanding this cold men 
remove the snow and spread their blankets on the ground 
and sleep sweetly in the open air in preference to sleeping 
in bed in the house. Rev. H. Chase. 
For Forest and Stream. 
ON LAKE PEPIN. 
S TOPPING a short time on my downward trip at this 
popular resort, I was particularly struck with its 
beauty aud advantages offered to the lovers of rural sports 
in many ways. As u place of resort, from the beauty of its 
scenery, perfection of climate, the varied interest of its 
drives, und its facilities for boating, bathing, trout fishing 
and grouse shooting, it has not its equal in the whole vui- 
ley of the Mississippi. 
Located near the head of Lake Pepin, with a view of 
that beautiful sheet of water above and below, with tbe 
steamers plying up und down, and the bluffs almost like 
the Palisades of the Hudson, extending right and left us 
far as the eye can reach on the Wisconsin side opposite, 
renders this one of the most charming spots on the globe. 
The resort consists of a spacious hotel und cottages called 
the Lake Side Hotel, built at a great expense, with its sur- 
roundings, as a Summer resort. It is located on a narrow 
strip of what is called bottom luud, with a projecting point 
extending into the lake, with a natural terrace immediately 
back facing the water, and which forms the table land or 
plateau on which are niuiiy cultivated fields and pastures, 
together with cottages with shaded trees and rural walks! 
1 have been particular in describing this place because 
many of your western renders, as well as some further east- 
ward, are turning their attention this way, and are looking 
for just such a place, where they can take their families 
and enjoy the luxuries of home, together with all the sports 
of laud and water. Here it is in abundance without the 
fatigues nod perplexities attendant upon the usual wood- 
land sports. Standing upon the shore at this point, look- 
ing diagonally ucross the lake at a distance of three or four 
miles, is seen the mouth of Rush River. Up this river you 
can sail for twenty miles or more and lake iu the "speckled 
beauties” weighing three pounds and upward. The banks 
of this river rapidly approach each other until the over- 
hanging cliffs aud struggling waters add a wildness to the 
scenery truly enchanting. Here the angler can find the 
haven of his rest and seek no further. So thought "Old 
Kip" (Joe Jefferson) who duplicated liis season in these 
wuters, also inuuy lesser lights from the East, whose names 
I need not mention. 
1 me Creek, directly opposite this point, is another noted 
stream ; also Wells’ Creek, six miles below on tins side— 
iu fact there are many other streams within fifteen miles of 
Frontenac, where that delicate and gamey fish can be 
found enough to satisfy the enthusiast. 
Game is excellent here iu its season, consisting of grouse 
snipe, woodcock, rail, geese and ducks. In the great for- 
est of Wisconsin, which can he reached immediately after 
crossing the lake, can bo found within ten or fifteen miles 
any amount of deer. Of course good lake fishing at all 
times can be had on the lake. There are other points ou 
the lake where good accomodations can be had, with ready 
access to the sporting grounds. Lake City is a very pretty 
place, six miles below Froutenac, where one could feel at 
home with his family. 
To the antiquarian or arclneologist, Lake Pepin Valley is a 
rich ground of study. Dr. Estes, of Lake City, who has 
made much research in this study relative to the ancient 
mounds of this loculity, states that here there are, without 
doubt, more Indian mounds than are found in a like ex- 
tent of territory in all America. These remains — pre- 
historic— were almost without number when the white muu 
first Intruded upon its domaius; but since they are melting 
away, like the Indian, before the strides of civilizuliou aud 
soon will be known no more forever. He says tbut 'they 
were built with a great degree of regularity," but exactly 
what was their design is bul a conjecture. Some remaius 
and relics have been found within, but none indicating the 
handicraft of the old mound builders. Who erected these 
mounds f It is conceded that the present race of Indians 
used these mounds for sepulchral purposes. If the build- 
ers used them in Hint way, most probably tbe ago is too re- 
mote to leave any vestige behind. Here was a continuouj 
city, nearly nine miles in extent one way, by two miles iu 
width. If it was devoted to burial purposes it is truly n 
"city of the dead." The Doctor has for years been inves- 
tigating those remains, aud has published many interesting 
papers as the result of his researches. He will be found 
ready and willing to nid any stranger who may desire to 
visit* or study these mysterious mounds. Ilia cabinet con- 
tains many relics of interest taken from them, mid I have 
no doubt much more will be added as he probes further 
into their lnbyrinths. B. 
Frontenac, Minn., May 28th, 1875. 
For Forest and Stream. 
A CHICKEN S HOOT IN MISSOURI. 
T HE glowing August sun was just above the horizon 
when our jovial party of four "might have been 
seen" contentedly ensconced iu the jauntiest of spring wag- 
ons, wending our way swiftly toward the depot from which 
we reside some few miles. "Good by" had been spoken, 
and with dogs in leash and breech loaders snugly packed 
in their baize-lined cases, wo were fairly off for a two 
weeks’ chicken shoot. We were bound for Jasper county, 
Mo., where we expected to drop anchor in the little town 
of Carthage, from which place a conveyance was to carry 
us across country some thirty miles to the delectable spot 
where prairie chickens were said to abound. 
Well, on whirled our train; the dust and smoke of the 
city lay far behind us; meadows and orchards of green 
stretched out before our refreshed eyes; in the blue dis- 
tance the Ozark Mountains rested their verdure-crowned 
heads against the sky. Towards night tho scenery grew 
more wild, and valley, stream and mountain succeeded 
each other in ever changing diversity of form and color- 
ing. At many a little halting place the quail would hustle 
into the scorched weeds lining the track side, and our rush 
and clatter scared many a buzzard from its revolting meal 
to wheel in slow circles around the nearest mountain 
crest. Towards noon the next day we reached Pierce 
City, where we changed ears, taking a branch line for 
Carthage, arriving there safe aud dirty iu about two hours. 
Our conveyance was waiting — a roomy, covered wagon, 
with two stout farm horses, and the driver informed us 
that a drive of thirty miles was inevitable. The dogs, 
after their long confinement, were wild for a run. How- 
ever, we packed the guu cases under the wagon seats, the 
dogs curled up at our feet, and under the most, ardent 
glances of old Sol, we drove out of Carthage. Oh! that 
ride! Never shall I forget it. Up hill and down hill, over 
stony places and smooth places, fording streams and riding 
across the dried beds of others, heads knocking at the 
wagon top one moment and against the dash-board the 
next, our loquacity jostled into complete silence and our 
driver streaming at every pore, but imperturbable, taking 
tne bumps aud jolts with unconcern beautiful to witness. 
Towards afternoon the hills and hollows begun to stretch 
themselves out into undulating prairie, and as the suu lost 
strength and a timid little breeze sprung up, we found life* 
enough to look about us. "There’s the farm!” from the 
the lips of our stolid driver, was the most welcome an- 
nouncement of the day, and we looked ahead to see the 
comfortable house, with its thrifty fields and orchards in- 
viting the tired crowd approaching its hospitable precincts. 
We were heartily welcomed, the good cheer compensating 
for all our discomforts during the journey. In the cool of 
the evening we seated ourselves on the low door step and 
busied ourselves by filling shells and fixing our trims for an 
early start in the morning. About nine P. M. wo turned 
in. Too soon we were called from our beds, and suurise 
found us en route for the best shooting grounds. 
The fields over which we were to hunt having been 
reached, we left tbe wagon and separated, two of us going 
one way and two in another, with understanding as to 
where we should meet to discuss our success and noouday 
meal. The ground was carpeted with wild flowers, and 
butterflies of every delicate hue inhaled their sweets. 
Crickets and grasshoppers chirped merrily and hopped 
briskly from under our advancing steps. At first no signs 
from our eager dogs showed the presence of birds, but 
presently Sharper pointed half a dozen prairie chickens 
aud the sport began iu earnest. By jioon we bad twenty- 
lliree birds, aud when we had wended our way back to the 
tree beneath whose shade was spread our lunch, we found 
that our two comrades lmd killed nineteen birds. After a 
satisfying lunch we took a siesta or an hour. It was 
ugrecd by mutual consent to pass the night out under the 
stars; so Jim, the driver, was dispatched to the house for 
blankets while we started out again with renewed vigor. 
Luck still perched on our guu barrels, and when night fell 
we were forty-three brace of chickens richer than when we 
started out that morning; and after a hunter’s supper aud 
the customary cigars each of us retired to his couch. My 
mind reverted nuturully to loved ones at home, and long 1 
lay dreumily, with face turned upward to the stars. By- 
and-bye tbe moon dropped sleepily over the horizon’s edge 
and left the world to "darkness and to me," aud then sleep 
stole over niv senses and 1 lay oblivious until morning. I 
wish I could tell you all about our two weeks' experience, 
but time and space will not permit. Suffice it to mention 
that we got awuy with about four hundred birds, nnd left 
tbe scene of our sport at peace with ourselves und with re- 
newed ambition and strength to battle for our daily bread. 
i>t. Louis, Mo ., May, 1875. Good Comrade. ^ 
tbe Blooming Grove Park Association, with members and 
invited guests, visited the Club House Inst week. A por- 
tion of the time was devoted to trout fishing, nnd the re- 
mainder was spent in rifle nnd pistol practice, trolling for 
bass, etc. Over J00 fine trout were taken in the Shohohi 
and Bloomiug Grove streams, some of those from the latter 
weighing over one pound. There have been no fires in the 
woods within ten miles of the Park giounds, and no dam- 
age has been done to any part of the territory. The fol- 
lowing nlle scores were made at short range, sixty yards, 
with an eight inch bullseye, circular target, six shots each: 
A' cr y a 3 3 3 4 S-M 
8 4 4 8 4 4— 2( 
The first three shots in Mr. Avery’s score were sighting 
shots, to obtain tbe range. 
I he Club House is iu excellent order, and ready for the 
reception of guests. In the breeding park for deer, acces- 
sions are reported almost daily, this being the dropping 
season. * ® 
