244 AUDUBON THE NATURALIST. 



This method of capturing the bison is espe- 

 cially resorted to in October and November, as 

 the hide is at that season in good condition and 

 saleable, and the meat can be preserved for the 

 winter supply. When the Indians have thus 

 driven a herd of buffalo into a pen, the warriors 

 all assemble by the side of the enclosure, the pipe 

 is lighted, and the chiefs smoke to the honour of 

 the Great Spirit, to the four points of the com- 

 pass, and to the herd of bisons. As soon as this 

 ceremony has ended, the destruction commences, 

 guns are fired and arrows shot from every direc- 

 tion at the devoted animals, and the whole herd 

 is slaughtered before the Indians enter the space 

 where the buffaloes have become their victims. 

 Even the children shoot tiny arrows at them 

 when thus captured, and try the strength of their 

 young arms upon them. - 



It sometimes happens, however, that the leader 

 of the herd becomes alarmed and restless while 

 driving to the precipice, and should the fence be 

 weak, breaks through, and the whole drove 

 follow and escape. It also sometimes occurs, 

 that after the bisons are in the pen, which is 

 often so filled that they touch each other, the 

 terrified crowd swaying to and fro, their weight 

 against the fence breaks it down, and if the 

 smallest gap is made, it is immediately widened, 

 when they dash through and scamper off, leaving 



