ing bluffs, gulches, and warm winter slopes. Three 
small streams originating in perpetual springs and 
flowing down canyons to the Niobrara afford ample 
water. There is considerable timber with oak and ash 
thickets, and the whole is strongly sodded on a deep, 
rich soul. 
Niobrara Reserve is not so far east as to lack the 
charm found in the western air and climate, a charm 
that should be accessary to a bison range. At the same 
time the rainfall is more than the average for a western 
locality, and an extra heavy growth of erass results. 
We have the good old “hultalo erass’ >in abundance, 
and our small herd have taken to it as to a long lost 
friend. 
South of the river the land is sandy, and although 
not adapted to farming, the protecting sod is heavy and 
the grass grows to hay-like abundance. This portion 
might not be adapted for buffalo in large numbers; but, 
as it would have to be fenced separately, it will provide 
an exclusive antelope pasture of much merit. 
But the buffalo need no better retreat than in the 
territory north of the river, where they could roam 
about the numerous canyons and find ample natural 
shelter from the most severe storms. When appro- 
priation through Congress is secured to enable the 
officials to fence this reserve property, the Government 
will then have a fourth bison range in a typical loca- 
tion, of equal merit and value to the others. While the 
Montana Range is all that can be desired, it is so remote 
that there are not many persons in the east who will 
be able to visit it. Niobrara will be more readily 
accessible; and the support of your members for any 
legislation pending to fence this reserve will no doubt 
be hearty. 
The presentation of ‘‘the Gilbert herd,’’ however, 
‘ame upon us before we had such an appropriation to 
fence. The citizens of Valentine helped us out in this 
emergency, for, rather than lose the herd to their 
vicinity, a fund of $470 was subscribed. The Chicago 
and Northwestern Railway Co. donated $100, and 
through the efforts of Dr. T.S. Palmer of the Biological 
37 
