ALONG FOUR-FOOTED TRAILS 



mare, who never seemed to lose any of her 

 plumpness or her sleek coat. She was all the 

 more striking by contrast when seen upon the 

 snow-covered or bare brown hills, seeking food 

 when the weather would permit, in company 

 with her companions. The ponies kept close 

 together for mutual protection against the coy- 

 otes who often attacked them in great num- 

 bers. They followed the band for days at a 

 time, waiting a chance to fall upon the first 

 pony that became too weak or crippled to keep 

 up with his companions. They also ate such 

 of their own kind as were killed by being 

 kicked or trampled upon by the frantic ponies. 

 When the life of a coyote was thus ended his 

 nearby associates at once turned their attention 

 to him, ferociously tearing him to pieces, speed- 

 ily leaving only bones. Then with new strength 

 and zeal they again joined their companions in 

 the general attack. Many a pony, weak through 

 lack of nourishment and the inclement weather, 

 had his winter struggle ended as he became a 

 meal for a hungry band of prowling prairie 

 wolves. Natural enemies are cruel, blood- 

 thirsty, ravenous, insatiable. 



[100] 



