944 AUDUBON THE NATURALIST. 
This method of capturing the. bison is espe 
cially resorted to in October and November, as 
the hide is at that season in good condition and 
saleable, and the meat can be preserved for the 
winter supply. When the Indians have thus 
driven a herd of buffalo into a pen, the warriors 
all assemble by the side of the enclosure, the pipe 
is lighted, and the chiefs smoke to the honour of 
the Great Spirit, to the four points of the com- 
pass, and to the herd of bisons. As soon as this 
ceremony has ended, the destruction commences, 
guns are fired and arrows shot from every direc- 
tion at the devoted animals, and the whole herd 
is slaughtered before the Indians enter the space 
where the buffaloes have become their victims. 
Even the children shoot tiny arrows at them 
when thus captured, and try the strength of their 
young arms upon them. 
It sometimes happens, however, that the leader 
of the herd becomes alarmed and restless while 
driving to the precipice, and should the fence be 
weak, breaks through, and the whole drove 
follow and escape. It also sometimes occurs, 
that after the bisons are in the pen, which is 
often so filled that they touch each other, the 
terrified crowd swaying to and fro, their weight 
against the fence breaks it down, and if the 
smallest gap is made, it is immediately widened, 
when they dash through and scamper off, leaving 
