and possibly a fish or two, or
quail, or grouse.

But the heads of deer, antelope, wild sheep, and bears are conspicuously
rare or altogether wanting in tourist collections in the "paradise of
hunters." There is a grand comparing of notes and adventures. Most are
exhilarated and happy, though complaints may occasionally be heard--"The
mountain does not look so very high after all, nor so very white; the
snow is in patches like rags spread out to dry," reminding one of Sydney
Smith's joke against Jeffrey, "D--n the Solar System; bad light, planets
too indistinct." But far the greater number are in good spirits, showing
the influence of holiday enjoyment and mountain air. Fresh roses come to
cheeks that long have been pale, and sentiment often begins to blossom
under the new inspiration.

The Shasta region may be reserved as a national park, with special
reference to the preservation of its fine forests and game. This should
by all means be done; but, as far as game is concerned, it is in little
danger from tourists, notwithstanding many of them carry guns, and are
in some sense hunters. Going in noisy groups, and with guns so shining,
they are oftentimes confronted by inquisitive Douglas squirrels, and are
thus given opportunities for shooting; but the larger animals retire at
their approach and seldom are seen. Other gun people, too wise or too
lifeless to make much noise, move slowly along the trails and about
the open spots of the woods, like benumbed beetles in a snowdrift. Such
hunters are themselves hunted by the animals, which in perfect safety
follow them out of curiosity.

During the bright days of midsummer the ascent of Shasta is only a long,
safe saunter, without fright or nerve strain, or even serious fatigue,
to those in sound health. Setting out from Sisson's on horseback,
accompanied by a guide leading a pack animal with provision, blankets,
and other necessaries, you follow a trail that leads up to the edge of
the timberline, where you camp for the night, eight or ten miles from
the hotel, at an elevation of about ten thousand feet. The next day,
rising early, you may push on to the summit and return to Sisson's. But
it is better to spend more time in the enjoyment of the grand scenery
on the summit and about the head of the Whitney Glacier, pass the second
night in camp, and return to Sisson's on the third day. Passing around
the margin of the meadows and on through the zones of the forest, you
will