1 68 Reminiscences of 



diffusion of information by printing and electricity 

 throughout the world as soon as it is obtained, and 

 cheap transportation are leavening up the whole world. 

 Invention, advance, and intelligence are being stimu- 

 lated as never before, and the progress of arts, science, 

 and general information is more rapid than could have 

 been dreamed of by the optimist of half a century ago. 



On my second trip by team across the plains with 

 my two companions in 1865 we were so beset with buf- 

 falo that an apprehensiveness existed among the riders 

 and drivers that our stock might be stampeded, as it 

 indicated a tendency in that direction, and at noon it 

 was thought best to hold up for the day and let the 

 buffalo pass, as we had to make a ford over a consider- 

 able width of shallow water and sand, over which 

 buffalo were plentifully scattered about. Besides, we 

 had to get grazing for the cattle and horses, which had 

 scant feed the day before. So selecting a spot not far 

 from the river, where feed was plentiful, a large corral 

 was made of the wagons, in which the stock was en- 

 closed. This corral was drawn close at night, as 

 before. A number went out for buffalo, and I re- 

 gret to say that a good many more were killed than 

 could be economically consumed. One hunter claimed 

 to have killed a group of five without moving from 

 his position. Of these, only the tongues and small 

 parts were taken. 



The general method followed on the plains in 

 killing buffalo was that of the Indians, to ride on a 

 fast horse alongside the flank of the retreating buffaloes, 

 firing at them back of the shoulder for a vital spot. 

 Without waiting for the result the hunter proceeded on, 

 engaging with others in a similar manner, and would, 



