Buffalo 299 



In 1888 this herd had increased to 58, not counting 25 

 half-breeds. In November of the same year they were bought 

 by Colonel C. J. Jones (Buffalo Jones), of Kansas, and added 

 to the 57 already in his possession. 



From these, at least in part, have been supplied most of 

 the herds now in captivity. 



Colonel Jones has made many experiments and believes 

 in a hybrid form between the Buffalo and common cattle. 

 This **Cattalo," as he calls it, is especially suited as a range 

 animal for the far north. It has the advantages of being 

 exceedingly hardy, fearless of blizzards, able to paw and 

 root through the snow for grass when ordinary cattle would 

 starve, and, above all, produces a robe which, very superior 

 even to that of a Buffalo, is worth as much as an entire 

 ordinary steer. 



Alaska and Canada are the countries for which these 

 experiments have an especial interest. 



The Canadian Government soon realized that a mistake the 

 had been made in letting these Buffalo go, but an opportunity herd 

 to retrieve has recently arisen. 



Charles Allard, a Montana ranchman, had secured a few 

 Buffalo and kept them at the Flathead Reservation until 1888, 

 when they numbered 35 head, and in 1907 their own increase 

 and the added Pablo herd raised their numbers to 628. The 

 whole herd was offered for sale and secured by the Canadian 

 Government. A stroke of good business which pleased all 

 good Canadians and did not entirely displease all good Amer- 

 icans who wish well for the Buff^alo, because now it was realized 

 that this remnant would be properly cared for and have a 

 chance to increase. 



The Red River was the scene of another attempt to turn buffalo 

 the Buffalo to commercial account. com- 



In 1822 there was founded at Fort Garry a joint stock ^'^^ 

 company called the "Buffalo Wool Company."'" 



"See Ross, Red R. Settlement, 1856, W. 69-72. 



