Martinsburg independent. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1875-1900, 1894-06-09
He Laughs Best.
WhoLaughs Last.
BY J. H. SINCLAIR.

sssSsYE mountain sheep as something
''A@aS% the pursuit of which is excit-
ing and exhilarating. At first sight
it might be supposed that a true
sportsmen would not lower himself
so far as to huntan inoffensive sheep.
But that animal, in the rocky noun
tains, is not as weknow it in the cul-
tivated regions.
1t is thoroughly wild its feeding
places are difficult to reach the
search for it is not without danger,
and its splendid horns are as attrac-
tive trophy as would be the horns
OF buffalo or the antlers of deer.
Years ago these sheep were very
plentiful in Colorado, but of late
they have become scarce in some
sections, although they can still be
found on the high ranges of the
northwestern part OF the State.
These are, in fact, the attitudes in
which the sheep delight. They leap
from rock to rock like the chamois
on the Alps. They are generally to
be found above the timber.line, and,
if not much disturbed, a flock will
stay on the same mountains for
years.
The fiercest winter storms do not
seem to trouble them, and in the low
est temperature they browse around
as contentedly on the bleak sloresas
if they were in a grassy valley in the
spring-time. y
There were four of us on hunt
ing expedition in Colorado last Sep.
TENDER. We were having a good
time so far as healthy outdoor life
was concerned, but poor luck had
followed us.
We were well equipped with rifles
and ammunition. and we were good
shots, although, unfortunately, we
could not find target for our bull
lets.
Signs of bear and deer were pler-
tiful, but so far we had brought down
nothing larger than a grouse.
We had got up now to the timl err
line, and we were just aching FIR a
shot at bear and some bear meat.
But, although we did not know it,
two of us were to have experiences
of very amusing character to those
who were simply what might be
called lookers-on in Vienna. How
those of us felt 10 whom the
experiences came personally can
probably be imagined after I have
told my story.
On the day in question it was pro-
posed, after We had been in the
thickets looking for bear. that We
should get on the open ground which
lay between the timber and the cliffs
in the hope that we might find some
signs which would make it worth
our while to go higher.
1t was then near shutdown; but we
got through the timber, climbed a
big rock nearby, and leveled our
glasses at the cliffs.
Suddenly, Fred Burnham, who
was particularly keen sighted, called
out
"Look boys !"
And, turning our glasses 10 the
direction indicated by him. we saw
almost at the base of the cliffs, a
bunch of mountain sheep, twenty
five in number as near as we could
make out, some of them grazing in.
dustriously, others quietly resting
on the ground.
There, were some fine looking ami
mails among them, and one, that We
took to be the patriarch of the flock
was superb looking fellow. Hehad
magnificent pair of horns, and
am certain each one Of us wished be
could take back such trophy cas-
with him.
While we were watching the an;
mais, signal was evidently givel
to them. for there was a hurried
movement, and they moved aroune
the brow of the mountain.
| 1t was now growing dark, and
even if we followed, we would hard
ly be able to get anything but ran
dom shot, besides frightening tn
sheep away entirely; SO we deter
mined to camp nearby for the Eight
making ourselves as comfortable a
possible, and going on the trail q
daylight.
We had to be contented with
supper o. grouse, of which we wer
.. becoming tired, although 1t was fa,
ored with a prospective dinner {
! roast mutton.
We were up at sun rise next morl