171 



CHAPTEE IX. 



ANTELOPES THE GARTER-SNAKE THE JAW AND TEETH OF SNAKES 



KILDEES SPRIG-TAIL OR PHEASANT-DUCKS ZEAL IN THE STUDY 



OF NATURAL HISTORY SPOOR OF THE BEAR A DAINTY MARAUDER 



THE VARIEGATED HARE THE MISSOURI ENCAMPMENT OF 



TRAPPERS. 



NEXT morning we were en route at an early hour. 

 Rest having done the nags good, we progressed 

 right merrily. Several antelopes (Antilocapra) were in 

 view all day, but would not permit our coming 

 within range ; neither had we time to lose in stalk- 

 ing them. 



In summer, these animals are immensely abun- 

 dant all about this neighbourhood; but, when the 

 cold weather approaches, they usually shift much 

 further to the southward. At the same time it is 

 no uncommon thing for them to be captured in the 

 snow-drifts by the Indians. So great is their speed, 

 that the swiftest horse or greyhound would be no- 

 where in pursuit of them. 



Curiosity appears to be their besetting fault ; in 

 the indulgence of which they often become the prey 

 of the rifle-ball. The sportsman, well aware of this 

 marked feature in their character, by remaining to 

 leeward, and waving a piece of bright rag, or any- 



