OF THE POLAR SEA. 



223 



nor take a deliberate aim. On this service 

 the hunter is often exposed to considerable 

 danger, from the fall of his horse in the 

 numerous holes which the badgers make in 

 these plains, and also from the rage of the 

 buffalo, which, when closely pressed, often 

 turns suddenly, and, rushing furiously on 

 the horse, frequently succeeds in wounding 

 it, or dismounting the rider. Whenever 

 the animal shows this disposition, which the 

 experienced hunter will readily perceive, he 

 immediately pulls up his horse, and goes off 

 in another direction. 



When the buffaloes are on their guard, 

 horses cannot be used in approaching them ; 

 but the hunter dismounts at some distance, 

 and crawls in the snow towards the herd, 

 pushing his gun before him. If the buf- 

 faloes happen to look towards him, he stops, 

 and keeps quite motionless, until their eyes 

 are turned in another direction ; by this 

 cautious proceeding a skilful person will 

 get so near as to be able to kill two or 

 three out of the herd. It will easily be 

 imagined this service cannot be very agree- 



