The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1871-12-02
A Spirited Buffalo Hunt.

ga trip to the Plains" says a New DIRK
sportsman, who refuses to give his name,
land a crack at the buffalo, was pleasure
long had in view, and the very idea made
my blood tinglc," and then goes on to de-
scribe his expedition.
Two days were spent in gathering traps
together and putting business matters in
trim. An army friend sent two carhines
zone Remington, the other Spencer and a
brace of revolvers, with Introductory let
tiers to the different posts.
As this is not intended for an excursion
guide it matters not what route or where
I went Suffice it to say that after several
days travel by rail and road I reached the
Mecca of my hopes. | found the officers
at this. as at every other post which | Wis
tied, gentlemen in the true sense of the
word. for they were willing to inconven-
fence themselves to please others. 1t was
agreed that after rest of two days we
would make up party for n hunt. So
imagine us on the morning of the third day
as we trot out of the garrison prepared for
the chase.
The Major, w.. and l rode in front: be
hind us comes the cavalry escort. guard
against suppositious Indians; and after
them large six-mule wagon for the game
We three are armed alike-a brace oil.
revolvers strapped to the waist and our
carbines slung across the shoulders. The
sun is well up by the time we get under
way, and everything, ourselves Inclusive
is bright and full of life. After riding
about ten miles we get into the heart of
Bisondom, and stop on thetop long slope
to reconnoitre. For miles and miles aroun d
stretches the broad prairie, swelling here
and there into miniature hills, and then
sweeping out into wide savannahs, the
bright spring turf sparkling with the last
nights rain, and dotted with rich-hued
flowerets peeping from the grass. In many
places the flowers grow stronger than their
sister green, and form brilliant parterres.
which glow in the early morning sun like
youthful hopes.
Occasional groups of bison are scattered
arond, lazily grazing or chewing the cud
of retlection:' while far out towards the
! horizon is seen huge herd, numbering
thousands, moving steadily onward, little
needing that dark speck to the right of
them, so insignificant in appearance and
still arbiters of their fate. The decision
was soon made. s'Never mind the small
patches" said the Major; "let's go for the
lump. Take it easy, lookout for dog holes
and spare your horses
Off we start. first on trOt and then
quickening to au easy canter. Beauty and
deceit are said to go hand in hand, and SC
it proves with the seemingly smooth sward.
Every few yards we find it pierced, as it
were, by dry artesan wells. These are the
prairie-dog holes, and every minute some
inouisitive rascal pops his head out, gives us
a glance, and drops like shot into his
house again. to tell of the strange menage.
RE that has Just passed.
ssHallo. Look at that fellow AS
speak, out of hollow fifty yards in front
of us rolls an old bull. He stops an instant
gives us a glance, and off he starts at q
numbering gallop. This is more than car
e stand: so after him | go with a whoop
never minding the Majors laughing re-
mark, that "he's too old for meat Reins
in left hand and rifle in right, Oh go, un
til within twenty yards of him, when whang
goes the Remington. Nobody hurt. How
can l manage the plaguey thing?" is my
next thought, while try to load not stop
ping to see where I'm going. At last its
all right, and turn for another shot, wher
find to my establishment that the buffalo