MR. MORRIS. 77 



they did not leave the bounds of civilisation till 

 the grass of the prairies was sufficiently advanced 

 to feed their cattle, but as ' the early bird got the 

 worm/ from the amount of competition that exists 

 even in this business, it was found all-important to 

 be first in arrival at the trading-post. 



Mr. Morris, in his determination to be successful 

 in the rivalry, had had many of his animals and sup- 

 plies stored on the verge of civilisation during the 

 winter ; so that, as soon as travelling was practical, 

 they were en route. Although the horses and mules 

 were turned out regularly after the day's labour to 

 pick up what vegetation they could obtain, they did 

 not rely on this for food, as forage was carried in 

 sufficient quantity to last till they reached their 

 destination. 



I turned out at an early hour next morning, feel- 

 ing as fresh as a daisy. The weather continued very 

 uninviting. A heavy haze was hanging over the 

 earth, and the clouds appeared so overloaded with 

 water, that the report of a gun, or other equally 

 powerful concussion, promised to bring down an 

 avalanche of rain. 



After breakfast, while scanning the limited view 

 of the surrounding country with the hope of seeing 

 game, I could distinctly hear the deep lowing of a 

 buffalo-bull If my mare had not been too weak for 

 the violent exercise necessary to run successfully this 

 game, I should have gone in pursuit, for use could 

 have been found for the flesh. However, I desisted, 



