Page:Don Coronado through Kansas.djvu/143

132 132 BtTPFAIiO CHIPS. ■would be hades. Ain't that right, pard? "You bet your boots." AJonso was deputed by the commander to head the usual reconnoitering party to proceed in advance to guard against ambuscades, although owing to the nature of the country, it was almost impossible for a human being to hide, but it Avas the rule of armies to send out scouts to report danger ahead. The principal thing done by the advance guard was to foUowthe guide, Ysopete, who would indicate the direction at every mile, gathering "buffalo chips'! into a pile as well as bleached bones and antlers of elk and deer so the main body could follow without obstruction or doubt. Thus it was kept up day after day, as the party proceeded; the streams becoming larger and more frequent; good timber skirting the w^ter courses. To those who have lived on the prairie it may appear foolish to waste time on bufbJo chips, but although the dweller of the plains may know all about this common stuff, yet like tethering, it win become in the near future a legend. Goronado recorded that the party were compelled to use "dry cow dung" to cook their food. This will strike the fastidious unpleasantly; but don't pass final judgment until an explanation is given. It must first be understood that the bison fed on grass named after themselves, buffalo grass. This does not grow over four inches high. The droppings from this feed is different, from that of a cow or steer fed on prairie, blue stem, timothy, red top, alfalfa or any other pasture; a reason cannot be given for the difference, ex^^pt that the buffalo grass is more woody and htoi^ t(h^ chips" are more solid. But it can be iuiserted