THE AMERICAN BISON. 33 



and instinctively follows the inanimate carcase of its 

 parent to the residence of the hunter. In this way 

 many calves are secured. 



According to Mr. Catlin's account these young animals 

 are induced to follow any one who merely breathes in 

 their nostrils. " I have often/' says he, " in concurrence 

 with a known custom of the country, held my hands 

 over the eyes of the calf, and breathed a few strong 

 breaths into its nostrils; after which I have, with my 

 hunting companions, rode several miles into our encamp- 

 ment, with the little prisoner busily following the heels 

 of my horse the whole way, as closely as its instinct 

 would attach it to the company of its dam. 



VASEY 



Bison Calf, about three weeks old. 



" This is one of the most extraordinary things that I 

 have met with in the habits of this wild country; and 

 although I had often heard of it, and felt unable exactly 

 to believe it, I am now willing to bear testimony to the 



fact, from the numerous instances which I have witnessed 



3 



