The Iola register. [volume] (Iola, Allen County, Kansas) 1875-1902, 1892-04-29

variably flew long distances ana were
seldom secured. A hunter on an eX-
ploring trip carrying a dozen necessary
odds and ends besides his gun is seldom
prepared for an immediate wing shot
and cannot follow up for flying birds
like a sportsman devoted wholly to the
pursuit.. The only fresh signs of large
game we saw were those of bears grub
bing in the swamps for roots. Just be-
fore noon we crossed the first pole
bridge and, as usual, it was over 4
mountain torrent. The middle of the
forenoon next day (11th) heavy thunder
was heard not far away. and at noon a
brisk thunder shower with heavy hail
sprang up and lasted for two hours.
MANY of our Indians had never heard
thunder before and such fierce storm
must have been a startling initiation.
They said the great rumbling noise was
caused by the Tapping of the wings of
a huge duslky bird, and some positive ly
asserted that they had seen it that day.
Practically the Pacific coast of Alaska
is unfrequented by such storms, but the
interior plateau has its full share.
These storms always seemed prolific in
dusky grouse and we secured sew
eral that day. Russell in shooting
one cut off two-inch thick
green spruce limb in the way, showing
the great concentration and power of
the Winchester 10-gauge shotgun.
Over 800 miles in the field, exploring,
hunting, scouting and marching has
shown me that this rapid-fire shotgun
coupled with 4O-s2 Winchester rifle
and Smith and Wesson AZ or As caliber
revolver practically arms the bearer
for all sorts of game and dangers to be
met by firearms as thoroughly as it Is
possible for mechanism to do 50; beyond
this is matter of craftsmanship or
. contest between woodcraft, prairie
lore and general experience and intel
hgence.
That days march was 4 fearful one
through wet moose brush and deep
swamps. At noon next day, after as
cending toward the great divide be-
tween the Pacific Ocean and Boring
Sea drainage basin, we reached the
timber limit, the low, fiat pass directly
ahead and in full view. Russell had
killed thirteen ptarmigan before
the storm and afterit cleared
up they could be heard cack-
ling in all directions, and before dark
we had another half dozen without
really hunting for them. called this
the "Ptarmigan Pass" From The
high hill near by no less than
half 4 hundred lakes could be seen in
the great valley beyond, one of which
was undoubtedly the big lake for
which we were striving. Seeing the big
lake so inspired the Indians that they
were up bright and early next morning
md oot AWAY with the first DackS be-
fore 3 o'clock. hoping to make it that
day. think, but little dreaming of two
camps yet in between.
The middle of the forenoon there
burst on our view the whole valley of
this great tributary of the mighty
Yalxon. the scene ahead being perfectly
studded with glistening lakes. The big
lake seemed almost under our feet, not
over three miles away.
Some days back l had sprained my
ankle-I think it was the time | had
on my extra slippery shoes -
and though it hurt me consider
ably at the time l paid but
little attention to it for the next three
days. 1t was now paying me consider
able attention. however. and growing
steadily worse so that by the time the
lake was reached was just about hOrs
du combat in pedestrian way. 1t was
one Of the luckiest unlucl1y accidents
ever had happen.
Despite the dense swarms of moSqui-
toes that night the Indians were up
and away with first packs by $3.50; the
first lake being reached an hour later
The folding canvas boats now come to
the front, so ! Will briefly describe