Page:The Kea, a New Zealand problem (1909).pdf/26

22 The region is an extremely stormy one. In July of 1907 I stayed some days at the Mt. Algidus Station, a fair sample of those described. It stands about forty miles back from the plains, and includes the Rakaia Forks, shut in among the ranges. On my return journey I had experience of the fury of the winter tempests that sweep over the area. My attempt to



make a dash on horseback for the Lake Coleridge Station was made painful and perilous by a snowstorm. It took six hours to do the intervening twenty miles. The drift was blinding, and the snow so caked upon the horse's hoofs that the ride became a stumble through the gale. Soon riding was impossible. The falling snow shut off all but a few yards ahead. Compelled to lead my horse, I fought my way until the pass was crossed and the homestead safely reached.

I was fortunate. Such winter travelling in that wild waste is full of dangers. A false step, and death may be met. Some years before, on the opposite side of this same