BISON HUNTING. 317 



A BISON. 



roams over the vast prairies, from the borders of Mexico on 

 the south, to Hudson's Bay on the north. Their size is 

 somewhat above that of our common bullock, and their flesh 

 of a delicious flavor, resembling and equalling that of fat beef. 

 Their flesh, which is easily procured, furnishes the savages 

 of these vast regions the means of a wholesome and good sub- 

 sistence^ and they live almost exclusively upon it convert- 

 ing their skins, horns, hoofs, and bones to the construction 

 of dresses, shields, bows, &c. The buffalo 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 

 appearance. 



The mode in which the Indians kill this noble animal is 

 spirited and thrilling in the extreme. I have almost daily 

 accompanied parties of Indians to see the fun, and have often 

 shared in it myself; but much oftener ran my horse by their 



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