SWIMMING THE RIVER. 227 
get over the ground nearly as fast as the best 
horses found in the Indian country. In lying 
down, this species bends the forelegs first, and 
its movements are almost exactly the same as 
those ot the common cow. It also rises with the 
same kind of action as cattle. 
When surprised in a recumbent posture by 
the sudden approach of a hunter, who has suc. 
ceeded in nearing it under the cover of a hill, 
clump of trees or other interposing object, the 
bison springs from the ground and is in full 
race almost as quick as thought, and is so very 
alert, that one can scarcely perceive his manner 
of rising on such occasions. 
The captain of the steamboat on which we as: 
cended the Missouri, informed us, that on his 
last annual voyage up that river, he had caught 
several buffaloes, that were swimming the river. 
The boat was run close upon them, they were 
lassoed by a Spaniard, who happened to be-on 
board, and then hoisted on the deck, where they 
were butchered secundum artem. One day we 
saw several that had taken to the water, and 
were coming towards our boat. We passed so 
near them, that we fired at them, but did nut 
procure a single one. On another occasion, one 
was killed from the shore, and brought on board, 
when it was immediate.y divided among the 
men. We were greatly surprised to see some 
