THE BUFFALO. 339 



Defence against wolves Utility of the horns, skin, &c. 



drove of those ferocious creatures, the herd forms 

 itself into a circle, having the weakest in the 

 middle, and the strongest ranged on the outside, 

 thus presenting an impenetrable front of horns. 

 If, however, they are taken by surprise, they 

 immediately take to flight, when numbers of 

 those that are most weak and unwieldy fall vic- 

 tims to their savage foes. 



The various parts of the bison are capable of 

 being applied to several useful purposes. Pow- 

 der-flasks are made of their horns; the skin 

 forms an excellent buff leather, and, when dres- 

 sed with the hair on, serves the Indians for 

 clothes and shoes ; the hair is spun into gloves, 

 stockings, and garters; the tallow forms a consi- 

 derable article of commerce ; the flesh is deemed 

 wholesome and nutritious, and the hunch on the 

 shoulders is said to be a great delicacy. 



Attempts have been made to domesticate these 

 animals, by catching the calves, and herding 

 them with oxen of the common breed; but, 

 when they grew up, they always became impa- 

 tient of restraint, and, from their great strength, 

 would break down the strongest enclosure, and 

 entice the tame cattle to follow them. Mr. Pid- 

 cock of Exeter 'Change, had one of these animals 

 in his possession about two years and a half; 

 during which it is said to have retained all its 

 native ferocity. The skin is now stuffed, and 

 preserved in the menagerie. 

 2 u 2 



