BUFFALO ULNTINti. 199 



animals, and tliey scatter in every direction over the 

 plain. Now the hunters sdect their victims, and the 

 blood is up. On speeds the Indian and his horse. The 

 long mane mingles with the liglit garments of the rider, 

 and both seem instigated by the same instinct and spi- 

 rit. On plunges the unwieldy object of pursuit, shaking 

 his shaggy head, as if in despair of his safety. The 

 speed of the horse soon overtakes tlic buffalo. 



The rider, dropping his rein, plucks an arrow from 

 his quiver, presses his knees to the horse's sides, draws 

 his bow, and witli unerring aim, drives tlie delicate shaft 

 into the vitals of the huge animal, who rushes on a few 

 yards, curls his tail upwards, falters, falls on his face, 

 and * dies. An exulting shout announces the success, 

 and the warrior starts off after another ; and if he has 

 performed his task well, every botv that has twatigal^ 

 marks the ownership of a huge carcass upon the sea of 

 the prairie, as sacredly as the waiffe of the whaleman 

 his victim on the sea itself. 



Thus, when the day's sport is over, every arrow is 

 returned to its owner. If two have been used to kill 

 the same animal, or any are wanting, having been car- 

 ried away in mere flesh wounds ; the want of skill is up- 

 braided, and the unfortunate hunter shrinks from the 

 sarcasms ajid observation of the successful, with shame. 



Following the hunter are the women, the laborers of 

 the tribe. To them is allotted the task of tearing off 



