524 



AUDUBON 



Mr. Illingsworth killed two calves, one bull, and one cow. 

 The calves, though not more than about two months old, 

 as soon as the mother was wounded, rushed towards the 

 horse or the man who had struck her. The one bull 

 skinned was so nearly putrid, though so freshly killed, 

 that its carcass was thrown overboard. This gentleman, 

 as well as many others, assured us that the hunting of 

 Buffaloes, for persons unaccustomed to it, was very risky 

 indeed; and said no one should attempt it unless well 

 initiated, even though he may be a first-rate rider. When 

 calves are caught alive, by placing your hands over the 

 eyes and blowing into the nostrils, in the course of a few 

 minutes they will follow the man who performs this 

 simple operation. Indeed if a cow perchance leaves her 

 calf behind during a time of danger, or in the chase, the 

 calf will often await the approach of man and follow him 

 as soon as the operation mentioned is over. Mr. Illings- 

 worth paid us a short visit, and told us that Mr. Cutting 

 was writing to his post near Fort Union to expect us, and 

 to afford us all possible assistance. We made a start at 

 seven, and after laboring over the infernal sand-bars until 

 nearly four this afternoon, we passed them, actually cut- 

 ting our own channel with the assistance of the wheel. 

 Whilst we were at this, we were suddenly boarded by the 

 yawl of the "Trapper," containing Mr. Picotte, Mr. Char- 

 don, and several others. They had left Fort Pierre this 

 morning, and had come down in one hour and a half. We 

 were all duly presented to the whole group, and I gave to 

 each of these gentlemen the letters I had for them. I 

 found them very kind and affable. They dined after us, 

 being somewhat late, but ate heartily and drank the same. 

 They brought a first-rate hunter with them, of whom I 

 expect to have much to say hereafter. Mr. Picotte prom- 

 ised me the largest pair of Elk horns ever seen in this 

 country, as well as several other curiosities, all of which 

 I will write about when I have them. We have reached 



k't'l 



