THE SKIN.— VENISON.— ALIMENT. 41 
THE SKIN. 
Notwithstanding Sir John Richardson informs us that the skin 
of this antelope is of no value as an article of trade, and although 
T learn that at the present day it is not prized by the traders, I 
must say that I have several skins of this animal tanned by the 
Indians, which are remarkable for their whiteness, softness, elas- 
ticity, and tenacity. In all these respects, except in strength, 
they are superior to the skin of the deer, in which respect the 
latter may have a slight preference. I have no doubt it is a very 
excellent article for wash-leather, rivaling the skin of the chamois 
for this purpose. I cannot be mistaken in the identity of the 
skins which I have, for enough of the hair remains around the 
edges and on the tail to fix their identity beyond dispute. I 
have had the skins tanned with the hair on for robes. Although 
pliant and warm, the hair is so fragile that they are of little value 
for this purpose. 
VENISON. 
Although Richardson informs us that the Indians will only eat 
the flesh of the antelope when other meat fails them, I know of 
no one who has tasted it that has failed to find it a delicate and 
choice morsel, which is much relished by the invalid. At Chey- 
enne and Laramie, travelers by the Pacific road enjoy their ante- 
lope chops very much, many preferring it to the flesh of the deer 
and the buffalo,— all of which are there provided in abundance. 
It is dark colored, fine grained and very tender, with an agreeable 
flavor. It is not as nutritious as the flesh of the deer, and espe- 
cially of the elk. If used as a constant diet one soon cloys of it 
and desires no more. After almost living upon it for two weeks, 
I quite forgot how much I enjoyed it at first, and agreed with 
Richardson’s Indians, and rejoiced at the change to the flesh of 
the deer and the buffalo. This meat, however, needs to be well 
dressed with butter to develop its prime excellences and fine 
flavor, even at the first, for broiled without accessaries it is rather 
dry. If butter is not at hand then fat pork or bear’s grease will 
do very well. as a substitute, but something softer than tallow is 
quite necessary to its full enjoyment. 
ALIMENT. 
Antilocapra Americana is not only a vegetarian, but is strictly 
an herbaceous feeder, avoiding arboreous food if left to his own 
