Page:Route Across the Rocky Mountains with a Description of Oregon and California.djvu/135

Rh were the last that we saw of the Sioux Indians; and from what cause they were induced to treat us with so much civility, we are uncertain. We attributed it, at the time, to Col. Carney's treaty with them, and to the imposing display which he exhibited.

Not having provided ourselves very abundantly with meat, while on Sweet Water, and not having seen any game on the North Fork, we began to be fearful, that we should not be able to procure provisions enough to last us in. But on the 5th of August, crossing over the South Fork, we found the valley and hills beyond, covered with thousands and thousands of Buffalo. We therefore pitched our camp, on the bank of the river, in the most convenient place we could find, and prepared to “make meat.”

On the following morning, two of the best riders and marksmen were selected, and mounted on the strongest and fleetest horses. Having divested themselves of the greater part of their clothing, and whatever else they could spare that would tend to add weight or gather the wind, and being armed with guns and pistols, they proceeded towards the nearest band, which would have numbered, perhaps, about a thousand. They rode along slowly, taking advantage of the wind, until they saw the band begin to notice them: then putting spurs to their horses, they urged the chase at full speed across the plain. Others followed at a less rapid rate, with loose animals, to bring in the meat.

We supposed that some of the largest of these Buffaloes were nearly seven feet high, and would probably weigh more than two thousand pounds.

It was a grand scene to look upon; that vast, living flood, moving on towards the hills, throwing huge clouds of dust into the air, and shaking, with their heavy tread, the very earth. The horsemen gained; and entering the band, which gave way at their approach, and closed around them, they spurred to gain the lead, where the fattest and best buffalo are always found. Their guns reported rapidly—the herd rushed on, swelling over the alternate hills, until the cloud of dust that marked their course, faded in the distance, and three fine Buffaloes lay stretched along upon the border of the valley. The hunters halted around their prey, butchered it, and the packmen came and bore it to the camp, where we cut it into thin slices, and dried it in the sun; having done which, we again proceeded down the South Fork.

But not being yet sufficiently provided for, we averaged our daily