NATURAL HISTORY. 



129 



BISON. 





Americanus (Lat American), the Bison. 



The BISON inhabits the plains or prairies of North America 

 in countless multitudes. Its enormous and heavy mane, its 

 fierce eyes and lowering appearance, give this animal a most 

 terrific aspect. The American Indians constantly hunt the 

 Bison, which they call Buffalo. Their weapons are principally 

 bows and arrows, apparently weak and small, but which, 

 when wielded by a skilful hand, will strike the huge bison to 

 the heart. In Catlin's account of his travels among the North 

 American Indians are many most interesting accounts of 

 " buffalo hunts." Mounted on a swift horse, and armed with 

 a spear and bow and arrows, the Indians kill great numbers 

 of these animals. They ride up close to the bison, and with 

 the greatest apparent ease bury an arrow up to its feather in 

 the creature's body. Indeed many instances are known where 



