THE BISON. 19 



and keep close, taking care at the same time not to 

 be gored by them. 



Having approached the herd as closely as they 

 suppose the animal will permit without alarm, they 

 halt, that the pipe bearer may perform the cere- 

 mony of smoking, which is thought necessary to 

 success. The pipe is lighted, and he remains a short 

 time with his head inclined, and the stem of the 

 pipe extended towards the herd. He then puffs the 

 smoke towards the bisons, the heavens, the earth, 

 and the cardinal points successively. These latter 

 are distinguished by the terms sun-rise, sun-set, 

 cold country, and warm country. 



This ceremony ended, the chief gives the order 

 for starting. They immediately separate into two 

 bands, which wheeling to the right and left, make 

 a considerable circuit with a view to enclose the herd 

 at a considerable interval between them. They then 

 close upon the animals and every man endeavours 

 to signalize himself by the number he can kill. 



It is now that the Indiau exhibits all his skill in 

 horsemanship and archery, and when the horse is 

 going at full speed, the arrow is sent with a deadly 

 aim and great velocity into the body of the animal 

 behind the shoulder, where, should it not bury itself 

 to a sufficient depth, he rides up and withdraws it 

 from the side of the wounded and furious animal. 

 He judges by the direction and depth of the wound, 

 whether it be mortal, and when the deadly blow is 

 inflicted, he raises a triumphant shout to prevent 



