AMERICAN BISON. 
hunch oil it's back begins at the haunches, 
and gradually increases till it arrives at the 
shoulders : the first rib before is half a yard 
higher than those on the back, and is three 
inches broad. The whole hunch is covered 
with long reddish hair; and the rest of the 
body with a sort of black wool, which is 
much valued in America. The breast is large; 
the buttocks are narrow ; the neck, legs, and 
tail, are very short; and the head is dispro- 
portionably big. 
These animals have so exquisite a sense of 
smelling, that it is very difficult for either men 
or dogs to get near them, except on the lee- 
ward side ; and, so extremely timid are they, 
that a whole herd of American Bisons will, 
it is said, fly from a single dog. Yet, when- 
wounded, they become very furious, and turn 
on the hunters with determined resolution. 
In some parts of America, the hunting of 
these beasts forms a favourite diversion. The 
hunters, after arranging themselves in four 
lines, so as to form a very large square, begin 
to set fire to the grass, which in the hunting 
season 
