240 NOTES TAKEN.‘ 
saddle from boyhood to old age, he acquires such skill and 
dexterity as to realize the appearance of the famed Centaur 
of mythology. Throwing himself entirely on one side of his 
horse, he will discharge his arrows with the utmost rapidity 
from beneath the animal’s neck, whilst at full speed, shielding 
his person by the animal’s body, and regaining his seat with 
no effort except the muscles of the leg. 
The bow is their favourite weapon, and being placed in the 
hands of the ty at an ried ce they acquire “ecgoye 
proficiency, £0) 41 teat 
formidable in war, Tal short Ton. they will frequently 
throw an arrow entirely through the huge carcass of the 
buffalo. 
With a shield made of untanned buffalo-hide, they protect 
themselves from this weapon in war, fastening it upon the 
left arm, so as not to interfere with the free use of the hand, 
and performing their feats of horsemanship; equipped in this 
way, with the addition of a war-club, made of a heavy stone, 
grooved in around the centre to receive a withe bound with 
buffalo-hide. 
Brave to a fault, they always fight in the open prairie, 
charging boldly up to their enemies, discharging their missiles 
and advancing and retreating with great rapidity. 
Though kind and hospitable to strangers, and fraternal in 
their intercourse with each other, they are implacable in their 
hatred, and any insult offered can only be atoned for by blood. 
They believe in amulets and charms, and in dreams—the 
