344 ASSINNIBOINE AND SASKATCHEWAN EXPEDITION. 



of a large number of buffalo during the week preceding 

 our arrival. 



Although still early in the afternoon, the difficulty of 

 obtaining water and fuel, as well as a desire to procure 

 a guide from the Indians, induced us to camp at the 

 east end of Sand Hill Lake with the Crees by whom we 

 were surrounded. Advantage was taken of the time at 

 our disposal, and the opportunity offered at a large camp, 

 to obtain some information respecting their habits and 

 mode of life. 



Scarcely had we made a distribution of tobacco and 

 tea, when a buffalo bull appearing on the opposite side of 

 the valley near where we had passed in the morning, 

 afforded one of the young Indians an opportunity of 

 showing his skill and bravery in attacking this formidable 

 animal single handed and on foot, a conflict which is 

 briefly described in the following chapter as seen through 

 a good telescope from our camp on the south side of the 

 valley. 



