138 VERTEBRATES. 



until an unsuspecting traveller approaches, and then ru /hing on 

 him and destroying him. The ferocious creature is not content 

 with killing his victim, but stands over him mangling him with 

 its horns, and stamping on him with its feet. Gumming shot 

 several of these animals, and once or twice had narrow e£.capeB 

 from them, as they are difficult to kill. His description of their 

 aspect is very good, and we cannot do better than give it in his cwn 

 words. 



" Their horns reminded me of the rugged trunk of an oak 

 tree Each horn was upwards of a foot in breadth at the base, 

 and together they effectually protected the skull with a massive 

 and impenetrable shield. The horns, descending and spreading 

 out horizontally, completely overshadow the animal's eyes, impart- 

 ing to him a look the most ferocious and sinister that can be 

 imagined." 



The Bison is a variety of the ox tribe. It inhabits both 

 parts of the American continent; and in North America immense 

 herds are frequently seen. The fore parts of the body are very 

 thick and strong; the hinder are comparatively slender; the body 

 is covered in many parts with long shaggy hair; the horns are 



short, rounded, and pointing out- 

 wards ; and on the shoulders is 

 a high protuberance, which is 

 the distinctive mark of the bison. 

 This hunch is considered a great 

 delicacy by the Indians. 



These animals are so fero- 

 cious, that they cannot be safelv 

 The BlsoD. ' •' . „ ^ , •' 



pursued, except in forests, where 



there are trees large enough to conceal the hunters : they are, 

 therefore, generally taken in pitfalls covered with boughs of trees 

 and grass, where they are easily overcome and slain. They com- 

 monly range in droves, feeding in the open prairies morning and 

 evening; and reposing during the sultry part of the day on the 

 shady banks of rivulets or streams of water. When only wounded 

 by the hunter, the bison is a most dangerous antagonist, and rushes 



