CHAPTER XV 
AMERICAN BUFFALO (BOS BISON AMERICANUS ) 
There is no portion of the globe which exhibits 
the results of destruction more painfully than the 
prairies of North America. The Indians have 
given place to the extension of the white man’s 
sway, and, as the wild tribes have diminished in 
proportion to the increase of European races, in like 
manner the wild animals either retreat to more 
distant solitudes, or cease to exist. The- buffalo of 
America, which at one time blackened the plains 
with its countless herds, has now become a rarity, 
and in certain localities, where formerly the prairie 
grass was eaten close by thousands of these uncouth 
but interesting beasts, not a solitary specimen can be 
discovered. 
The bison is a grand-looking creature, and in 
my opinion it is the most striking of all wild animals. 
There is a peculiar savagery in the aspect of a 
shaggy old bull in its winter coat, which surpasses 
in wildness of appearance all other species of game. 
Although in reality a bison, this animal is invariably 
termed the American buffalo. The bull is about 
