A BISON HUNT 



AMERICAN BISON. FEMALE IN THE DISTANCE. 



whch is easily procured, furnishes the savages of these vast regions 

 the means of a wholesome and good subsistence, and they live 

 almost exclusively upon it converting the skins, horns, hoofs and 

 bones, to the construction of dresses, shields, bows, &c. The 

 buffalo bull is one of the most formidable and frightful looking 

 animals in the world when excited to resistance : his long shaggy 

 mane hangs in great profusion over his neck and shoulders, and 

 often extends quite down to the ground. The cow is less in 

 stature, and less ferocious ; though not much less wild and frightful 

 in her appearance. 



The mode in which these Indians kill this noble animal is spirited 

 and thrilling in the extreme; and I must in a future epistle, give 

 you a minute account of it. I have almost daily accompanh d 

 parties of Indians to see the fun, and have often shared in it myself; 

 but much oftener ran my horse by their sides, to see how the thing 

 was done to study the modes and expressions of lheL.e splendil 

 cenes, which I am industriously putting upon the canvaa. 



