32 THE CONDOR VOL. X descended into a deep, gloomy gorge and after crossing it, began the long, steep climb up to the summit of South Yallo Bally itself. All the latter part of. the afternoon we struggled up towards its enormous rounded crest, and we reached it just as the last rays of the setting sun made it light when all the lower heights were in semi-darkness. The scene from the summit was one of memorable beauty. All about us was a wild confusion of rugged peaks and densely timbered ridges, seen dimly in the fading light. t)n one side was the steep slope up which we had just come, reced- ing downwards till lost in darkness. On the other we could barely see several pockets in the mountain's side, each a miniature valley with its little green meadow and its tiny trickling brook. In one of these we made our camp almost within a stone's throw of a huge drift of snow. This camp can be easily located, for just above it on the mountain's summit is a surveyor's monument marking the corners of three counties, Mendocino, Trinity and Tehama. A word of explanation in regard to this region might not be out of place. South and north Yallo Bally Mountains (pronounced Yollo Bolly) are the highest peaks of the Coast Range, and as such should throw some light on the problems of geographical distribution. Bunnell and myself, I believe, had the privilege of being the first naturalists to visit this interesting region and as a result of our hum- ble efforts several new races of mammals were brought to light. The region is cer- tainly worthy of more extended study. The altitude of South Yallo Bally is about 8000 feet. Our camp here was from July 24 to August 2. Boreal conditions of flora ruled about the summit, where spruces and probably firs were the prevailing trees: A descent of about 500 feet would bring one into the beginning of the Transition Zone, magnificent forests of bull pine (Pinus ?bonderosa) being met shortly below this point where the gentler slopes began. The small valley in which our camp was, quickly narrowed and, changing into a small rocky canyon, descended rapidly for about 300to 400 feet where it broadened out and became thickly grown with willows and shrubbery thru which a clear brook ran. This canyon offered a great variety of conditions, and trapping and bird-collecting were excellent. The mammals we got here included white-looted mice, voles, shrews, gophers, copper-head squirrels, chipmunks, woodrats, a coon, a badger, and a weasel. Signs of coyote, wild-cat and porcupine were also met and deer were quite
plentiful. The Yallo Ballies are a famous spot for bears, but we learned of their
presence only thru hunters and sheep-herders. The most abundant birds at this place were Juncos and Audubon Warblers. In merry troops they visited our camp, dashing within a few feet of where we were preparing specimens, or curiously watching us from perches but a few feet distant. Clarke Crows frequently flew with steady, even flight over our heads to some dis- tant ridge, and Western Robins, roving thru the evergreens in small bands brought memories of gardens and homes strangely in contrast to the present reality of soli- tude and wildness. But the bird that most truly voiced the spirit of this lonely mountain top was the Olive-sided Flycatcher. Its clear, loud whistle had in it the quality of joyous freedom, and sentinel-like upon a lofty evergreen spire it would ring out its challenges all day long. Its vigil began with the first light of day. A few, faint, timid twitterings steal out of the gray dawn, but gaining courage as the day brightens, the bird's notes grow louder and louder until the cold, still air is filled with the wild free ecstacy. On August first we decided to change camp as the possibilities of small mam- mal trapping seemed about exhausted. From two goat-herders who had their camp ?aear by we learned of a deserted ranch some six miles distant where "varmints"
