Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, W.T. [i.e. Wis.]) 1843-1844, 1843-09-09

westward, we perceived large WOOD or forest,
on the borders of lake, some ten miles in
circumference, towards which a number of
focks of birds were directing their course.
This led US there, not for the mere purpose of
shelter, flor that, to man of my pursuits,
would be famiDine.) but that we might be ena-
bled, among so great variety of the feathered
tribe, 10 procure something in addition 10 my
stock. We had no sooner arrived at the place
described, than it rained in torrents.-- my com
panions placed themselves under shelter of a
large tree, while myself too we'll aware of the
abundance before of that which have so long
made my study, sailed forth with my fowling
piece, with the lock well protected from the
rain.) | had proceeded the distance of about
400 PAGES when, to my horror, heard not far
from me, very singular cry, ia some measure
resembling lha, of human being in distress,
but much louder. For moment | did not
know what 10 do, having nothing with me but
small sho; however, | was determined TO pro-
coed towards the spot from whence the cry
arose, and ascertain, ifpossible, what was the
cause, knowing from its continuance and loud
ness. that NY companions would be attracted
thither. / had not advanced many PAGES to
the left, vergng on the margin oil the lake, be-
fore perceived some animals moving among
the trees | approached very cautiously, and
10 my surprise saw two beasts engaged in play
| ing, or fighting; they appeared there TO be OF
enormous heights, when they stood on their
hind legs, which have since ascertained they
continually sit on. | remained watching
them short time, uncertain what TO do, when
to my great Joy my friends came up, being at.
tracted by The noise, and having some fears for
my safety. Inactive spectators we could not
remain---so determined, therefore, TO attack
them, as they then lay exhausted. thought
lif they were no. TOO vicious | might procure
one alive. Filled with this intent, we ad-
vanced towards them, they both sprang up and
set on their hind parts, with their fore paws
appraised. seeming TO threaten descent upon us.
One of my companions being somewhat afraid.
Immediately shot one. and the other bounded
of with the most fearful leaps. Another such
an animal | never saviour buffaloes or
mountain elks are nothing in comparison, in
the scale of worth. To give you proper
description will be TO liken ii somewhat in
shape 10 kangaroo, but varying in many par
iiculars. I, sits on its hind legs the same way,
but not shaped in the abdominal regions the
same; it's front legs or arms are short, hut arm
ed with sharp claws, and they bound or jump
with their hind legs. They have tail some
what like that ola sheep, about 10 inches long,
and round the middle of the body they have a
ring of flesh. about l2 inches wide and inch
es thick in the middle or centre, which produ-
ces great quantity of oil. On their heads
they have two horns very similar to the horas
of the deer, but not more than IL inches long;
the head is shaped also very like that Of the
deer. and has the same kind of teeth: but what
| is more remarkable than all the rest, theircoat
. ..f a e., \ IL IL r.
dark brown color. The proportions ofthe one
we killed were very great; 1t weighed 10 The
best of -four calculations, upw ards OF GOO pounds,
and it measured from the top Of the head to
the end of the tail feet inches, which ap-
pears 10 be their foil grown size. We had no
sooner killed this one, than some Indians. at
tracted by the report of the rife, Joined us. Our
Interpreter conversed with them -.they said
tina, in these woodlands these animals were in
great abundance. They called it in their tongue
the ke.koka-ki, or jumper; they feed on grass
herbs or foliage. Upon observing Us take off
the skin, the Indians expressed a desire to
have some Of The flesh, which we gave them.
We cooked some of the same, and found it
delicious; il was very white and tender, tasted
very similar TO veal but The ring on The body
was nearly all OIL and the whole upper part
VIII produce great qnaniliy. ne INDIANS
took us TO their huts, or village, which conss-
ted Of bot six families; there we saw no less
than six Of these animals domesticated, two
young ones. male and female, which barter
ed some beads for, and intend TO send down TO
the fort by the first opportunity.
think, without doubt, 10 point ofusefulness
and vaue, may pride myself in surprising
most Of my cempeers, 10 thus bringing SO
great discovery to light. Every information
respecting them shall endeavor TO obtain be-
fore leaving here.
CASE OF EYCIsInN OLE A WEN. WITH