CHAPTER II. 
THE BISON, GENERALLY CALLED BUFFALO. 
Tuer habitat of this powerful and gigantic animal ex- 
tended from the Gulf of Mexico on the south to the 62d 
degree of north latitude, and from Kentucky and Indiana 
on the east to the higher ridges of the Rocky Mountains on 
the west: however, this range is now much contracted, and 
in a corresponding ratio their numbers diminished. Al- 
though buffalo at the present day can be found in the State 
of Kansas, yet the wholesale butchery they have there been 
lately submitted to has caused the few survivors to be ex- 
tremely wild and difficult to approach; therefore I should 
advise the sportsman to direct. his steps farther toward the 
north-west, to the valley of the Yellowstone or upper forks 
of the Missouri, to the Saskatchewan or the large plains lay- 
ing to its north. From the increase of settlement and of 
travel across the continent, this game, which formerly was 
migratory, has comparatively speaking ceased to be so; 
thus the sportsman will not now be compelled to follow 
them over an extensive range of country, but will probably 
be able to enjoy the pleasure of their pursuit aJl the year 
in one locality. The legitimate methods for their pursuit 
are by running them on horseback, when they are shot 
with a very large-bored pistol as the sportsman ranges 
alongside, or to stalk them, a rifle of great power and cal- 
ibre being then necessary. The shoulder-shot is the best, 
unless the animal happen to front you and expose his chest. 
Shooting at the head is a useless expenditure of ammunition, 
and, unless to turn a charge, should never be attempted. 
