222 GUN, EOD, AND SADDLE. 



BUFFALO PLAINS. 



WITHIN the last year or two the borders of Mis- 

 souri and Kansas, where they adjoin, have become 

 so much altered, from the springing up of new towns, 

 and the making of the Atlantic and Pacific Railroad, 

 that the points which were formerly considered the 

 best starting-places for the plains, on account of their 

 being situated on the verge of civilization, are deemed 

 so no longer. However, as in days gone by, I should 

 choose Leavenworth for commencing outdoor life, 

 if the intention were to reach the hunting ground by 

 land. Although all frontier towns are to be avoided, 

 from the number of loafers and blackguards that 

 constantly haunt them, Leavenworth nowadays can 

 scarcely be classed in this light ; moreover, the reli- 

 able and minute information with which you will be 

 furnished by the ever-kindhearted officers of the 

 United States' regular army stationed in its fort, is 

 most desirable to obtain. But instead of going by 

 land, I would by choice take the river route by one 



