XXIV 
THE WAPITI 
257 
It appeared as though all the wapiti of the 
immediate neighbourhood had been gathered 
together in that large herd, as I could not discover 
one animal of the species for a couple of days 
after this incident; we accordingly moved our 
camp. 
There is always a charm in novelty, and this is 
exhibited to perfection when, after a morning’s march 
in the Big Horn range, a clear rippling brook in a 
shady glen, beneath overhanging woods of dark 
green spruce, invites a halt; here we decide upon 
the new camping ground, well sheltered from wind, 
with a supply of fuel, and good water. No shot 
had been fired within 10 miles of our new camp, 
therefore we had every reason to expect game. 
On the following morning I rode out with my 
hunter Jem. The forests were difficult, owing to 
the number of fallen trees and the steepness of the 
mountain slopes; we accordingly ascended the 
mountain until we gained a tolerably level 
surface above the woods ; this enabled us to obtain 
a clear view for some miles ahead, and to the sky¬ 
line upon the summit to our left. We rode parallel 
with the forest, upon the extreme verge, occasionally 
turning into it when level ground rendered it 
practicable; but although tracks were numerous, we 
saw nothing except black-tail deer. It is probable 
that many other animals were existing in the 
recesses of the dark forest, but for mounted men it 
would have been impossible to adopt any other 
course than that pursued. 
VOL. 11 
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