34 SPORT IN BRITISH COLUMBIA

Sargent and Teit and our ways parted. We continued
on northwards and hoped to reach that day Chesley
Post, an abandoned Hudson’s Bay trading post, which
is now used as a telegraph station on the line from
Edmonton to Dawson.

As we were passing along the foot of a high-wooded
ridge, Dennis discovered a bear high up on the ridge.
A moment afterwards and I saw it too. It was a black
bear (Ursus americanus), and was having a high old
time among the ripe berries. It would rise on to its
hind legs and with both front paws scoop up the red
salmon berries in great quantities.

I quickly got my rifle out of the saddle scabbard,
and with Dennis leading, we hurried up the steep
slope, but considering all the noise made by the pack-
horses, I had very little hope of ever getting a shot at
that bear. Nor were we successful, and had to return
empty-handed.

On a bare ledge, however, we surprised a whole
covey of Franklin’s Grouse (Canachites franklint), a
bird that reminded me a great deal of our Norwegian
Hazel Grouse. It is found in the woods all over the
North, and is locally called ‘‘Fool Hen,” as evidently
it has not the slightest idea of what a dangerous brute
man can be. It simply sits quietly looking at you and
may easily be knocked down by a stone or other missile.
These particular birds sat quietly, though Dennis
treated them to a regular bombardment.

From the top of the ridge we had a fine view of the
whole valley in front of us, and Dennis pointed ut
to me the distant mountains where Sargent and Teit
were going.

When we finally reached Chesley Post the tents