272 SPORT IN NOETH AMERICA. 



sharpened to the utmost pitch of intensity. With 

 their noses to the wind, and their ears pricked up, 

 the bisons nearest to us began to look like pickets 

 looking out for the approach of an enemy. 



Thanks to the uneven nature of the ground, 

 which the chief thoroughly understood, we arrived 

 within two rifle-shots of the nearest bison, — an 

 enormous brute, with a shaggy mane and small 

 flexible legs. He did not seem to have the slightest 

 suspicion of our approach. 



Suddenly, there arose a fearful noise : the whole 

 herd was in motion. We had almost got within 

 reach of the buffaloes without being discovered, but 

 some of the Red Skins had got to windward, and 

 had been both seen and smelt from afar, and by a 

 happy chance the flight took place in our direction. 

 Never did I so thoroughly realise the sublime 

 euphony of the expressive verse of the Swan of 

 Mantua — 



" Quadrupedante putrem sonita quatit ungula campum." 



The hoofs of the bisons beat the earth with a regu- 

 lar trot like a charge of cavalry. We all looked at 

 our rifles as the herd rushed forwards, and saw that 

 the caps were all right. The moment was critical, 

 for it was necessary for us to show ourselves, in 

 order to drive the herd back. We followed the 

 Sioux chief, and rushed in front of the bufi'alo. 

 Never shall I forget the sight 'that presented 



