130 GAME. 



1844-5, in that portion of country now known as Laramie 

 Plains. That whole section was visited by a most extra- 

 ordinary snow-storm. Contrary to all precedent, there 

 was no wind, and the snow covered the surface evenly 

 to the depth of nearly four feet. Immediately after the 

 storm a bright sun softened the surface, which at night 

 froze into a crust so firm that it was weeks before any 

 heavy animal could make headway through it. 



The Laramie Plains, being entirely surrounded by 

 mountains, had always been a favourite wintering place 

 for buffalo. Thousands were caught in this storm and 

 perished miserably. Since that time not a single buffalo 

 has ever visited the Laramie Plains. 



When I first crossed these plains in 1848, the whole 

 country was dotted with skulls of buffalo, and all appa- 

 rently of the same age, giving some foundation for the 

 tradition. Indeed, it was in answer to my request for 

 explanation of the numbers, appearance, and identity of 

 age of these skulls, that the tradition was related to me 

 by an old hunter, who, however, could not himself vouch 

 for the facts. 



The next great break occurred at a comparatively 

 recent date. The great composite tribe of Sioux, driven 

 by encroaching civilisation from their homes in Iowa, 

 Wisconsin, and Minnesota, had crossed the Missouri and 

 thrust themselves between the Pawnees on the east and 

 south, and the Crows on the north and west. 



A long- continued war between these tribes taught at 

 least mutual respect ; and an immense area, embracing the 

 Black Hills and the vast plains watered by the Niobara 

 and White Eivers, became a debateable ground into which 

 none but war parties ever penetrated. Hunted more or 

 less by the surrounding tribes, immense numbers of 

 buffalo took refuge in this debateable ground, where they 

 were comparatively unmolested, remaining there summer 

 and winter in security. When the Pawnees were finally 

 overthrown and forced on to a reservation, the Sioux 



