THE LITTLE SANDY BUFFALO IN ABUNDANCE. 35 



several hundreds ; and at that season are fond of tra- 

 velling, their tracks through the snow having the appear- 

 ance of a broad beaten road. The elk requires less kill- 

 ing than any other of the deer tribe, (whose tenacity of 

 life is remarkable ;) a shot any where in the fore part of 

 the animal brings it to the ground. A deer, on the con- 

 trary, often runs a considerable distance, strike it where 

 you will. The meat of the elk is strong-flavored, and 

 more like "poor bull" than venison; it is only eatable 

 when the animal is fat and in good condition ; at other 

 times it is strong-tasted and stringy. 



Joe and I shook hands on our prospects that evening, 

 and lived, if not like princes, as deliciously as moun- 

 taineers care to live. We retired to repose at an early 

 hour, with full stomachs and happy hearts, which pro- 

 mised a good night's rest. Suddenly, we heard a noise 

 like distant thunder, but somewhat more steady. The 

 noise gradually increased, and drew near camp. Placing 

 our ears close to the ground, we could distinguish the 

 roaring tramp of buffaloes upon the plain ; and as the 

 moon came from behind a cloud, I saw the prairie was 

 covered by a dark mass which undulated like the waves 

 of the sea. We were in a perilous situation, for when 

 thousands of these animals are pouring over the plain, it 

 is almost impossible to change their course, particularly, 

 at night, the myriads in the rear, pushing on those in 



