The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1874-04-11
The Buffalo.

a late issue Of the Greeley (Col.)
Tribune contains letter from Mr.. X. 4.
Smith in relation to the haunts Of the
great herds Of buffalo throughout the past
few months, with other particulars as to
the way in which they have been hunted,
different styles Of hunting, the mode of
life of the hunter, &c. Mr.. Smith says
the main herds Of the buffalo have been
on the north side Of the Platte river dur
ing most of the past winter. They crossed
from the south about the last Of Noyem-
Der, owing to the fact that their customary
pasture grounds were burned over. In
October there was FIRE over 100 miles
along the north side Of the Kansas Pacific
Railroad, and millions Of acres were as
black as could be. This compelled the
herds to seek new fields. Concerning the
habits of the animal, Mr. Smith writes
" The buffalo live near some stream or
spring, grazing from one mile to ten miles
from it. They do not 60 more than two
days without drink. There are three ways
OF hunting them-still-hunting, on the
plains on foot, and on horseback. The
hunter who still-hunts finds where they
come for water, and keeps under the bank
watching his opportunity. About eleven
o'clock, a. m, the buffaloes are seen max
ing their way to the water. They are both
the slowest and Aeetest of all animals for
their size. They always 60 in file and
follow path. None break ranks except
when feeding or frightened. When with
in from one to ten rods the hunter selects
his victim, and aiming at point Just back
Of the forelcg and about six inches above
the lowest part of the body, fires, If one
ia brought down, he waits until Others go
to him and get smell Of the blood; then
the "shootist" can generally kill four or
five before the rest really know what to do
have fred fifteen rounds in one position,
and stopped only because did not wish to
kill more. | would then let them see me,
and they went of, sans cerensonie. The
foot hunter" is compelled TO follow a
herd, keeping out of sight by hugging
ravines and running at best speed when an
opportunity offers 50 as to get within range
if possible. He may get shot after man
euvering for hours, or he may not 1t is
healthy sport, but by no means profitable,
or even pleasing" Hunting on horseback
is thus portrayed Hunting on horseback
there is the most excitement. On one oc-
casion four Of us came upon q herd Of
from $4,000 to 10000. I should think
the plain was literally covered, eight by
five miles. We mounted our horses, and
by riding first one way, and then another,
We got the herd broken, and after an hour
We brought down all and more than we
could desire" OF the camp Of the buffalo
hunter, we have the following sketch =
1t is constructed for comfort, and not for
convenience. 1t must be near water. The
hunter has blankets, and in these he sleeps.
The sky is his tent, and the cactus his
feather bed He has the choicest Of meat
and can cook it his own way. Ihaye lived
on Graham mush and buffalo meat for a
week at time, and gained rapidly in flesh
although l ran and walked many miles
every day. The hunter enjoys health, hap
piness, and fun, especially, if it be pleas.
ant weather; bat, if storm comes on, he
had better start for shelter" Relative "a
the use put to the buffalo when killed, Mr.
Smith. writes There has been a great
trade in buffalo beef this winter. In most
cases only the headquarters are used--nc,
that the rest is moi good, but that the 9th
er is best; and when they are so plenty
nothing but the best is taken. The hun
ter is liable to a fine if he kills and doe.
not bring all that is good to eat into mar
ket. A local market is generally found
at some house along the main road, where
the meat is brought to sell. This is sole
for one to one and a-fourth cents per ID.
and the tongues for fifteen cents apiece al
the hunters headquarters."