INHABITANT OF THE PLAINS. 



33 



frequently, when well matched, the struggle will be 

 protracted. At length the weaker commences to give 

 way, first slowly, always keeping his head to the foe, 

 till with sudden energy he wheels and leaves the victor 

 triumphant. All this time the cow has stood by, an 

 inert spectator, waiting for the hero of the hour to 

 claim her love. These battles seldom or never termi- 

 nate fatally. They occur at the period when the coat 

 is in the greatest perfection, and the almost impene- 



BUFFALO IX SPRING COAT. 



trable mane which densely covers the brows and fore- 

 quarters is unquestionably of the greatest service as a 

 protection. It is my belief that when the sexes thus 

 mate, the male remains faithful to his spouse, for up 

 to within a month of the cow's confinement both keep 

 together. Early in autumn the bulls are in good con- 

 dition ; but after the rutting season they gradually lose 

 flesh, and by midwinter become so poor that they are 



