lUFFALO HUNTIN<;. 197 



to bear in the sjtort. The ComaiRlies in the south, and 

 the Sioux in the north, are, tVoni tlicir numbers, warlike 

 character, and wealth, by the aborigines, considered as 

 the true buffalo hunters. 



The Comanelies inhabit one of the loveliest countries 

 in the world for a winter home — l)ut when the licats of 

 summer drive them northward, they travel over the 

 loveliest herbage, variegated by a thousand perfumed 

 flowers, that yield fragrance under every crush of the 

 foot. The wide savannas, that are washed by tiic 

 Trinitv and Brasos rivers, are every where variegated 

 with clumps of live-oak trees, among which you involun- 

 tarily look for the mansion of some feudal lord. 



Here are realized almost the wildest dreams of the 

 future to the red men ; and here the Comanches, strong 

 in numbers, and rich in the spontaneous productions of 

 their native land, walk proud masters, and exhibit sav- 

 age life in some of the illusive charms we throw around 

 it while bringing a refined imagination to view such life 

 in the distance. 



Thousands of this tiibe of Indians will sometimes be 

 engaged at one time in a buffalo hunt. In their wan- 

 derings about the prairies, they leave trails worn like a 

 long-travelled road. Following the " scouts," until the 

 vicinity of the animal is proclaluKd, and then selecting 

 a halting-place, favorable both for fuel and water, the 

 ceremonies preparatory to a grand hunt take place. 



Then are commenced, with due solemnity, the 



