The buffaloes started away in a line, single file; Fitzhugh, after a
lively gallop, led us all. Soon he came alongside the rear buffalo, at
which he fired. The animal faltered, and with another shot Fitzhugh
brought him to the ground. Crosby dashed past and leveled another of
the herd, while Livingston dropped a third. Those who were not directly
engaged in the hunt now came up and congratulated the buffalo killers.
Fitzhugh was hailed as the winner of the Buffalo Cup. There was general
sympathy for Heckscher, whose horse had fallen and rolled over him,
thus putting him out of the race.
The hunt being over, the column moved forward through a prairie-dog
town, several miles in extent. These animals are found throughout the
Plains, living together in a sort of society. Their numberless burrows
in their towns join each other and the greatest care is necessary in
riding among them, since the ground is so undermined as easily to give
way under the weight of a horse.
Around the entrance to each burrow earth is piled to the height of at
least a foot. On these little elevations the prairie-dogs sit on their
haunches, chattering to each other and observing whatever passes on the
Plains.
They will permit a person to approach very closely, but when they have
viewed him they dive into their holes with wonderful celerity. They are
difficult to kill.
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