38 LIFE IN THE FAB WEST 



prairies of the Bayou, the buffalo, forsaking the barren 

 and inclement regions of the exposed plains, frequent 

 these upland valleys, in the winter months ; and feeding 

 upon the rich and nutritious buffalo grass, which on the 

 bare prairies at that season is either dry and rotten or 

 entirely exhausted, not only sustain life, but retain a 

 great portion of the " condition " that the abundant fall 

 and summer pasture of the lowlands has laid upon their 

 bones. Therefore is this valley sought by the Indians 

 as a wintering ground. Its occupancy has been dis- 

 puted by most of the mountain tribes, and long and 

 bloody wars have been waged to make good the claims 

 set forth by Yuta, Rapaho, Sioux, and Shians. How- 

 ever, to the first of these it may be said now to belong, 

 since their " big village " has wintered there for many 

 successive years ; whilst the Rapahos seldom visit it 

 unless on war expeditions against the Yutas. 



Judging, from the direction the Rapahos were taking, 

 that the friendly tribe of Yutas were there already, the 

 trappers had resolved to join them as soon as possible ; 

 and therefore, without resting, pushed on through the 

 uplands, and, towards the middle of the day, had the 

 satisfaction of descrying the conical lodges of the village, 

 situated on a large level plateau, through which ran a 

 mountain stream. A numerous band of mules and 

 horses were scattered over the pasture, and round them 

 several mounted Indians kept guard. As the trappers 

 descended the bluffs into the plain, some straggling 

 Indians caught sight of them; and instantly one of them, 

 lassoing a horse from the herd, mounted it, barebacked, 



