THE BUFFALO. 97 



west of the Rocky Mountains, and never, at the present time, 

 east of the Mississippi. They are migratory animals, mov- 

 ing north in the spring with the advance of vegetation, and 

 south in the autumn with the decline of pasturage. They 

 move in large bodies, grazing as they go, and breed on the 

 march. They usually reach the Platte River on their way 

 north about the last of May. On their return they reach the 

 same river in September. A few probably winter north of 

 that latitude. These are mostly animals that wander from 

 the great herds and get lost among the valleys in the moun- 

 tains. On the uplands the Buffaloes live on a short, fine 

 grass, called Buffalo grass. On the low lands they feed on 

 a coarse, high grass. On their general march they move in 

 a scattered, grazing order. Only when disturbed do they 

 herd together and move in compact masses: When moving 

 in the mass they stop for nothing, rushing through ravines, 

 swimming rivers, and trampling all ordinary obstacles under 

 foot. It is exceedingly dangerous to get in the way of a 

 drove when on the rush. They should only be approached 

 on the outskirts. Cows run the fastest. The bulls generally 

 take the lead when the rush is made, but are soon out- 

 stripped by the cows. The cows and calves keep on the 

 outskirts of the drove. A drove lie down where night over- 

 takes them. 



The common way of hunting the Buffalo is on horseback, 

 as a person on foot cannot approach them without screening 

 himself. Experienced hunters prefer a largest sized or eight 

 inch navy revolver for hunting them. A breech-loading car- 

 bine or rifle, is also a good weapon. Find a drove feeding. 

 Approach them from the leeward side, otherwise the animals 

 will scent you and move off. They are not disturbed by a 

 horse as long as they do not scent the rider. Lie down on the 

 horse and let him gradually work his way into the drove. 

 Select a cow and approach her on the left side if you have a 

 pistol, on the right side if you have a rifle, in order, in either 

 case, that you may have the best opportunity for using your 

 weapon. Shoot for the heart, which lies, comparatively, very 

 low. The ball should be aimed just back of the fore leg, a few 



