HOPPLED HORSES. INDIAN DOGS. 



117 



that is tied their fore-feet together with dressed buffalo 

 hide. Iron hopplings are in great request among half- 

 breeds on their hunting expeditions. They can then 

 more safely allow their horses to feed some distance from 

 the camp, but instances have been known of Indians who 

 have succeeded in approaching and catching a horse 

 furnished with iron hopplings, in revenge for their disap- 

 pointment at not being able to gallop away with their 

 prize, sending an arrow through the animal or otherwise 

 seriously injuring him. During the fly season, smokes 

 are made every night for the horses, and if this precaution 

 is neglected they will remind their masters of their want 

 of care by surrounding the camp fire and standing with 

 their heads in the smoke. It is this habit of crowding 

 round the smoke of a fire to avoid the torment of flies 

 which makes Indian horses so difficult to drive from a 

 prairie on fire. Many are burned every year on account 

 of their being unable to comprehend the danger which 

 threatens them. The buffalo are more wary, the smell of 

 fire is often sufficient to drive them from pastures where 

 they have been quietly feeding. 



Next to the horse, the clog is the Prairie Indian's most 

 valuable friend. The dog is the great stand-by of the 

 squaws, who have to attend to all the duties of the camp, 

 the men employing themselves solely in hunting and fight- 

 ing. The dogs drag on poles the camp furniture, the 

 provisions, the little children, and all the valuables of the 

 family. It is a very amusing sight to witness several 

 hundred dogs solemnly engaged in moving a large camp. 

 They look wistfully at passers-by, and take advantage of 

 the least want of attention on the part of their mistresses 

 to lie down, or snarl and snap at their companions in the 

 work. They nevertheless obey the word of command 

 with alacrity and willingness if not fatigued. 



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