[Illustration: 9083]
HE buffalo hunt, next to the Indian battle, is the most intensely
exciting scene which may be witnessed among the wilds of the west. To
the buffalo, the Indian looks for food, for clothing, and for religious
and household implements. He regards the hunting of that animal not only
as a pleasure, but a duty; and when once it is rumored through a village
that a herd of buffalo is in sight, their warriors who have faced death
in a hundred forms, bring out their swiftest horses, and spring upon
them; and when the whole party rush across the field eager to engage the
bellowing herd, a scene is presented for which it would be in vain
to look for a parallel, even among the cane-brakes of Africa, or the
jungles of India.
The Indians have several methods of attacking buffaloes. The most
exciting as well as the most dangerous one is that in which they
run round the herd for the purpose of destroying it. The hunters,
well-mounted with bows and lances, divide themselves into two columns,
take opposite directions, and at the distance of a mile or two, draw
gradually around the herd, and having formed a circle, close upon their
prey at regular distance, On seeing the danger, the herd run in the
opposite direction, where they are met by the other party. The circle is
gradually closed, and the parties unite. By this time, the buffaloes
are wheeling about in a crowded and confused mass, wounding and climbing
upon each other. Then their destruction commences. Galloping round,
the hunters drive the arrows and lances to the hearts of their victims.
Sometimes, the animals, furious from their wounds, plunge forward, and
bear down horse and rider, goring and crushing the former, while the
active Indian escapes. Sometimes the herd divides in two, and the
hunters, blinded by clouds of dust, are wedged in among the crowding
beasts, when their only chance of escape is to leap over the backs of
the herd, leaving the horse to his fate. Occasionally, a buffalo selects
a particular horseman, and pursues him at full speed, until, when
stooping to lift the horse upon his horns, he receives in the side the
warrior’s shaft. Some of the Indians, when pursued, throw their buffalo
robe over the horns and eyes of the furious animal, and, dashing by its
side, drives the weapon to its heart. Others dash off upon the prairie,
in pursuit of the few who got separated from the herd. In a few moments,
the hunt is changed into a desperate battle, and gradually the whole
mass of buffaloes sink in death.
The hunters then dismount from their horses, and claim their prey by
drawing the arrows or lances from the sides of the dead beasts, and
showing their private marks. Quarrels are generally avoided by this
plan. After all the animals have been claimed, the warriors hold a
council, and after smoking a few pipes, ride into the village and
announce the result. Of course, every thing there is in commotion, and
soon long processions of dogs and women issue forth, skin and cut up the
prey, and return amid loud acclamations to their homes.
[Illustration: 0086]
[Illustration: 0088]
[Illustration: 0089]