170 FRIENDS WORTH KNOWING. 



dary, and their numbers, probably, have correspondingly 

 decreased. 



It thus appears that in three-quarters of a century the 

 buffalo has been compelled to relinquish a habitat cover- 

 ing a third of the continent for two regions not greater 

 together than the present Territories of Montana and Da- 

 kota ; and they were formerly just as numerous over the 

 whole extent as they now are in favored spots within their 

 range. Hence the theory that they have riot been so much 

 reduced in numbers as they have been circumscribed in 

 range and concentrated upon narrow limits, will not hold 

 good. Over much of this great region they were actually 

 killed on the spot, not driven out. 



