sixth of our journey—we saw the first herd of buffalo. 
The rejoicing was general. The voyager at sea can- 
not long more for land than the traveler in that region 
for the buffalo; for only in the land of the buffalo is 
there comfort and superfluity. Anxiously the days 
are counted till one may expect the first buffalo. 
Every sign is investigated by which one may gauge 
their vicinity. Weight is attached even to dreams. 
Our first enthusiasm brought ruin to the careless herd; 
for twelve of them were immediately shot, and of 
most of them the tongue only was taken. The juicy, 
nourishing buffalo meat we all found more palatable 
than the lean flesh of the antelope. The next morn- 
ing we went up river only ten miles, and camped 
there, preparatory to crossing the South Fork. As 
special boats, covered with buffalo hides, are con- 
structed for that purpose, two parties were forthwith 
sent out to hunt, to procure the requisite buffalo hides. 
I joined one of these parties. But before we go on 
the hunt, let us consider more closely the noble game 
about to be hunted. 
Journey 
along the 
Platte to the 
South Fork 
