296 SAVAGE FEASTING. 
constrained to eat Indian dog-meat, and which, 
prejudice apart, is by no means an unsavory 
viand; but the flesh of the wolf; and even 
the American dog, is generally said to be ill- 
flavored and sometimes insupportable. The 
polecat is also a favorite food among the In- 
dians ; and though the celebrated Irving, dur- 
ing a “Tour on the Prairies,’ seems to claim 
a deal of credit for having “ plumped into the 
river” a dressed polecat, whereby he prevent- 
ed an Osage from “disgracing” their fire by 
the cooking of it, yet all travellers who have 
tasted the flesh of this animal have pro- 
nounced it fine, and of exquisite relish. “ The 
flesh of the skunk,” observes Dr. James, in 
his account of Maj. Long’s Expedition, “we 
sometimes had dressed for dinner, and found 
it remarkably rich and delicate food.” 
These wild tribes are without other kitchen 
utensils than an cccasional kettle. They 
sometimes broil their meats, but often eat 
them raw. A savage will feast upon the 
warm carcass of the buffalo; selecting bits 
of the tenderloin, liver, etc., and it is not un- 
common to see him use the gall as sauce! 
Feasting is one of their favorite enjoyments; 
though their ability to endure hunger almost 
exceeds belief. They will fast a week and 
yet retain their strength and vigor: but then 
when they do procure food again, it seems as 
if nd never would be satiated. 
dians of the Prairies have become 
acquainted with the medical virtues of many 
of their indigenous plants, which are often 
