THE TRAIRIE WOLF. 191 



returned home, well satisfied with our day's sport. On the 

 way back we called at the small Indian village of mats; 

 and I noticed there that many of the dogs running about 

 were perfect fac-similes of the coyotes in all but color, and 

 even barked so much like them that it would be hard to 

 distinguish which was which. I learned there, also, that 

 the coyotes frequently associated with Indian dogs at cer- 

 tain seasons, and that the products were wary, thieving, 

 timid creatures, but often excellent animals for hunting 

 game, and especially their own ancestors. Some of the 

 best dogs in the country for mute hunting are these mon- 

 grels, and, if well trained, they are said to be invaluable. 



Leaving the encampment, we wended our way home- 

 ward, and, after a pleasant evening with song and story, I 

 retired to bed thoroughly tired, and highly pleased with 

 the day's amusement. The pursuit of this animal, which 

 is faster than any fox, will, no doubt, be fashionable in a 

 few years, when gentlemen with sporting proclivities enter 

 the country, and the sons of those now residing there learn 

 to appreciate the pleasure it affords. 



