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continue the text below	The Project Gutenberg eBook of The Extermination of the American Bison This ebook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions whatsoever.	You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included with this ebook or online at www.gutenberg.org.
continue the text below	You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included with this ebook or online at www.gutenberg.org.	If you are not located in the United States, you will have to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this eBook.
continue the text below	If you are not located in the United States, you will have to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this eBook.	Title: The Extermination of the American Bison Author: William T. Hornaday Release date: February 10, 2006 [eBook #17748] Most recently updated: December 10, 2020 Language: English Credits: Produced by Chuck Greif, Tony Browne and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net * START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE EXTERMINATION OF THE AMERICAN BISON * Produced by Chuck Greif, Tony Browne and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net
continue the text below	Title: The Extermination of the American Bison Author: William T. Hornaday Release date: February 10, 2006 [eBook #17748] Most recently updated: December 10, 2020 Language: English Credits: Produced by Chuck Greif, Tony Browne and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net * START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE EXTERMINATION OF THE AMERICAN BISON * Produced by Chuck Greif, Tony Browne and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net	[Illustration: (Inscription) Mr. Theodore Roosevelt.
continue the text below	[Illustration: (Inscription) Mr. Theodore Roosevelt.	Author of "Hunting Trips of a Ranchman," With the compliments of The Author, W.T. Hornaday.] SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION.
continue the text below	Author of "Hunting Trips of a Ranchman," With the compliments of The Author, W.T. Hornaday.] SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION.	UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM.
continue the text below	UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM.	*
continue the text below	*	*
continue the text below	*	*
continue the text below	*	* * THE EXTERMINATION OF THE AMERICAN BISON.
continue the text below	* * THE EXTERMINATION OF THE AMERICAN BISON.	BY WILLIAM T. HORNADAY, _Superintendent of the National Zoological Park._
continue the text below	BY WILLIAM T. HORNADAY, _Superintendent of the National Zoological Park._	*
continue the text below	*	*
continue the text below	*	*
continue the text below	*	* * From the Report of the National Museum, 1886-'87, pages 369-548, and plates I-XXII.
continue the text below	* * From the Report of the National Museum, 1886-'87, pages 369-548, and plates I-XXII.	*
continue the text below	*	*
continue the text below	*	* * * WASHINGTON GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE.
continue the text below	* * * WASHINGTON GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE.	1889.
continue the text below	1889.	[Illustration: GROUP OF AMERICAN BISONS IN THE NATIONAL MUSEUM.
continue the text below	[Illustration: GROUP OF AMERICAN BISONS IN THE NATIONAL MUSEUM.	Collected and mounted by W. T. Hornaday.]
continue the text below	Collected and mounted by W. T. Hornaday.]	CONTENTS.
continue the text below	CONTENTS.	PREFATORY NOTE
continue the text below	PREFATORY NOTE	PART I.--THE LIFE HISTORY OF THE BISON I. Discovery of the species II.
continue the text below	PART I.--THE LIFE HISTORY OF THE BISON I. Discovery of the species II.	Geographical distribution III.
continue the text below	Geographical distribution III.	Abundance IV.
continue the text below	Abundance IV.	Character of the species 1.
continue the text below	Character of the species 1.	The buffalo's rank amongst ruminants 2.
continue the text below	The buffalo's rank amongst ruminants 2.	Change of form in captivity 3.
continue the text below	Change of form in captivity 3.	Mounted specimens in museums 4.
continue the text below	Mounted specimens in museums 4.	The calf 5.
continue the text below	The calf 5.	The yearling 6.
continue the text below	The yearling 6.	The spike bull 7.
continue the text below	The spike bull 7.	The adult bull 8.
continue the text below	The adult bull 8.	The cow in the third year 9.
continue the text below	The cow in the third year 9.	The adult cow 10.
continue the text below	The adult cow 10.	The "Wood" or "Mountain Buffalo" 11.
continue the text below	The "Wood" or "Mountain Buffalo" 11.	The shedding of the winter pelage V. Habits of the buffalo VI.
continue the text below	The shedding of the winter pelage V. Habits of the buffalo VI.	The food of the buffalo VII.
continue the text below	The food of the buffalo VII.	Mental capacity and disposition of the buffalo VIII.
continue the text below	Mental capacity and disposition of the buffalo VIII.	Value to mankind IX.
continue the text below	Value to mankind IX.	Economic value of the bison to Western cattle-growers 1.
continue the text below	Economic value of the bison to Western cattle-growers 1.	The bison in captivity and domestication 2.
continue the text below	The bison in captivity and domestication 2.	Need of an improvement in range cattle 3.
continue the text below	Need of an improvement in range cattle 3.	Character of the buffalo-domestic hybrid 4.
continue the text below	Character of the buffalo-domestic hybrid 4.	The bison as a beast of burden 5. List of bison herds and individuals in captivity PART II.--THE EXTERMINATION I. Causes of the extermination II.
continue the text below	The bison as a beast of burden 5. List of bison herds and individuals in captivity PART II.--THE EXTERMINATION I. Causes of the extermination II.	Methods of slaughter 1.
continue the text below	Methods of slaughter 1.	The "still hunt" 2.
continue the text below	The "still hunt" 2.	The chase on horseback 3.
continue the text below	The chase on horseback 3.	Impounding 4.
continue the text below	Impounding 4.	The surround 5.
continue the text below	The surround 5.	Decoying and driving 6.
continue the text below	Decoying and driving 6.	Hunting on snow-shoes III.
continue the text below	Hunting on snow-shoes III.	Progress of the extermination A.
continue the text below	Progress of the extermination A.	The period of desultory destruction B.
continue the text below	The period of desultory destruction B.	The period of systematic slaughter 1.
continue the text below	The period of systematic slaughter 1.	The Red River half-breeds 2.
continue the text below	The Red River half-breeds 2.	The country of the Sioux 3.
continue the text below	The country of the Sioux 3.	Western railways, and their part in the extermination of the buffalo 4.
continue the text below	Western railways, and their part in the extermination of the buffalo 4.	The division of the universal herd 5.
continue the text below	The division of the universal herd 5.	The destruction of the southern herd 6.
continue the text below	The destruction of the southern herd 6.	Statistics of the slaughter 7.
continue the text below	Statistics of the slaughter 7.	The destruction of the northern herd IV.
continue the text below	The destruction of the northern herd IV.	Legislation to prevent useless slaughter V. Completeness of the wild buffalo's extirpation VI.
continue the text below	Legislation to prevent useless slaughter V. Completeness of the wild buffalo's extirpation VI.	Effects of the disappearance of the bison VII.
continue the text below	Effects of the disappearance of the bison VII.	Preservation of the species from absolute extinction PART III.--THE SMITHSONIAN EXPEDITION FOR SPECIMENS I.
continue the text below	Preservation of the species from absolute extinction PART III.--THE SMITHSONIAN EXPEDITION FOR SPECIMENS I.	The exploration for specimens II.
continue the text below	The exploration for specimens II.	The hunt III.
continue the text below	The hunt III.	The mounted group in the National Museum INDEX LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS.
continue the text below	The mounted group in the National Museum INDEX LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS.	Group of buffaloes in the National Museum Head of bull buffalo Slaughter of buffalo on Kansas Pacific Railroad Buffalo cow, calf, and yearling Spike bull Bull buffalo Bull buffalo, rear view The development of the buffalo's horns A dead bull Buffalo skinners at work Five minutes' work Scene on the northern buffalo range Half-breed calf Half-breed buffalo (domestic) cow Young half-breed bull The still-hunt
continue the text below	Group of buffaloes in the National Museum Head of bull buffalo Slaughter of buffalo on Kansas Pacific Railroad Buffalo cow, calf, and yearling Spike bull Bull buffalo Bull buffalo, rear view The development of the buffalo's horns A dead bull Buffalo skinners at work Five minutes' work Scene on the northern buffalo range Half-breed calf Half-breed buffalo (domestic) cow Young half-breed bull The still-hunt	The chase on horseback Cree Indians impounding buffalo The surround Indians on snow-shoes hunting buffaloes Where the millions have gone Trophies of the hunt MAPS.
continue the text below	The chase on horseback Cree Indians impounding buffalo The surround Indians on snow-shoes hunting buffaloes Where the millions have gone Trophies of the hunt MAPS.	Sketch map of the hunt for buffalo Map illustrating the extermination of the American bison PREFATORY NOTE.
continue the text below	Sketch map of the hunt for buffalo Map illustrating the extermination of the American bison PREFATORY NOTE.	It is hoped that the following historical account of the discovery, partial utilization, and almost complete extermination of the great American bison may serve to cause the public to fully realize the folly of allowing all our most valuable and interesting American mammals to be wantonly destroyed in the same manner.
continue the text below	It is hoped that the following historical account of the discovery, partial utilization, and almost complete extermination of the great American bison may serve to cause the public to fully realize the folly of allowing all our most valuable and interesting American mammals to be wantonly destroyed in the same manner.	The wild buffalo is practically gone forever, and in a few more years, when the whitened bones of the last bleaching skeleton shall have been picked up and shipped East for commercial uses, nothing will remain of him save his old, well-worn trails along the water-courses, a few museum specimens, and regret for his fate.
continue the text below	The wild buffalo is practically gone forever, and in a few more years, when the whitened bones of the last bleaching skeleton shall have been picked up and shipped East for commercial uses, nothing will remain of him save his old, well-worn trails along the water-courses, a few museum specimens, and regret for his fate.	If his untimely end fails even to point a moral that shall benefit the surviving species of mammals _which are now being slaughtered in like manner_, it will be sad indeed.
continue the text below	If his untimely end fails even to point a moral that shall benefit the surviving species of mammals _which are now being slaughtered in like manner_, it will be sad indeed.	Although _Bison americanus_ is a true bison, according to scientific classification, and not a buffalo, the fact that more than sixty millions of people in this country unite in calling him a "buffalo," and know him by no other name, renders it quite unnecessary for me to apologize for following, in part, a harmless custom which has now become so universal that all the naturalists in the world could not change it if they would.
continue the text below	Although _Bison americanus_ is a true bison, according to scientific classification, and not a buffalo, the fact that more than sixty millions of people in this country unite in calling him a "buffalo," and know him by no other name, renders it quite unnecessary for me to apologize for following, in part, a harmless custom which has now become so universal that all the naturalists in the world could not change it if they would.	W. T. H. THE EXTERMINATION OF THE AMERICAN BISON,
continue the text below	W. T. H. THE EXTERMINATION OF THE AMERICAN BISON,	By WILLIAM T. HORNADAY, _
continue the text below	By WILLIAM T. HORNADAY, _	Superintendent of the National Zoological Park.
continue the text below	Superintendent of the National Zoological Park.	_
continue the text below	_	PART I.--LIFE
continue the text below	PART I.--LIFE	HISTORY OF THE BISON. I. DISCOVERY OF THE SPECIES.
continue the text below	HISTORY OF THE BISON. I. DISCOVERY OF THE SPECIES.	The discovery of the American bison, as first made by Europeans, occurred in the menagerie of a heathen king.
continue the text below	The discovery of the American bison, as first made by Europeans, occurred in the menagerie of a heathen king.	In the year 1521, when Cortez reached Anahuac, the American bison was seen for the first time by civilized Europeans, if we may be permitted to thus characterize the horde of blood thirsty plunder seekers who fought their way to the Aztec capital.
continue the text below	In the year 1521, when Cortez reached Anahuac, the American bison was seen for the first time by civilized Europeans, if we may be permitted to thus characterize the horde of blood thirsty plunder seekers who fought their way to the Aztec capital.	With a degree of enterprise that marked him as an enlightened monarch, Montezuma maintained, for the instruction of his people, a well-appointed menagerie, of which the historian De Solis wrote as follows (1724): "In the second Square of the same House were the Wild Beasts, which were either presents to Montezuma, or taken by his Hunters, in strong Cages of Timber, rang'd in good Order, and under Cover: Lions, Tygers, Bears, and all others of the savage Kind which New-Spain produced; among which the greatest Rarity was the Mexican Bull; a wonderful composition of divers Animals.
continue the text below	With a degree of enterprise that marked him as an enlightened monarch, Montezuma maintained, for the instruction of his people, a well-appointed menagerie, of which the historian De Solis wrote as follows (1724): "In the second Square of the same House were the Wild Beasts, which were either presents to Montezuma, or taken by his Hunters, in strong Cages of Timber, rang'd in good Order, and under Cover: Lions, Tygers, Bears, and all others of the savage Kind which New-Spain produced; among which the greatest Rarity was the Mexican Bull; a wonderful composition of divers Animals.	It has crooked Shoulders, with a Bunch on its Back like a Camel; its Flanks dry, its Tail large, and its Neck cover'd with Hair like a Lion.
continue the text below	It has crooked Shoulders, with a Bunch on its Back like a Camel; its Flanks dry, its Tail large, and its Neck cover'd with Hair like a Lion.	It is cloven footed, its Head armed like that of a Bull, which it resembles in Fierceness, with no less strength and Agility.
continue the text below	It is cloven footed, its Head armed like that of a Bull, which it resembles in Fierceness, with no less strength and Agility.	" Thus was the first seen buffalo described.
continue the text below	" Thus was the first seen buffalo described.	The nearest locality from whence it could have come was the State of Coahuila, in northern Mexico, between 400 and 500 miles away, and at that time vehicles were unknown to the Aztecs.
continue the text below	The nearest locality from whence it could have come was the State of Coahuila, in northern Mexico, between 400 and 500 miles away, and at that time vehicles were unknown to the Aztecs.	But for the destruction of the whole mass of the written literature of the Aztecs by the priests of the Spanish Conquest, we might now be reveling in historical accounts of the bison which would make the oldest of our present records seem of comparatively recent date.
continue the text below	But for the destruction of the whole mass of the written literature of the Aztecs by the priests of the Spanish Conquest, we might now be reveling in historical accounts of the bison which would make the oldest of our present records seem of comparatively recent date.	Nine years after the event referred to above, or in 1530, another Spanish explorer, Alvar Nuñez Cabeza, afterwards called Cabeza de Vaca--or, in other words "Cattle Cabeza," the prototype of our own distinguished "Buffalo Bill"--was wrecked on the Gulf coast, west of the delta of the Mississippi, from whence he wandered westward through what is now the State of Texas.
continue the text below	Nine years after the event referred to above, or in 1530, another Spanish explorer, Alvar Nuñez Cabeza, afterwards called Cabeza de Vaca--or, in other words "Cattle Cabeza," the prototype of our own distinguished "Buffalo Bill"--was wrecked on the Gulf coast, west of the delta of the Mississippi, from whence he wandered westward through what is now the State of Texas.	In southeastern Texas he discovered the American bison on his native heath.
continue the text below	In southeastern Texas he discovered the American bison on his native heath.	So far as can be ascertained, this was the earliest discovery of the bison in a wild state, and the description of the species as recorded by the explorer is of historical interest.
continue the text below	So far as can be ascertained, this was the earliest discovery of the bison in a wild state, and the description of the species as recorded by the explorer is of historical interest.	It is brief and superficial.
continue the text below	It is brief and superficial.	The unfortunate explorer took very little interest in animated nature, except as it contributed to the sum of his daily food, which was then the all-important subject of his thoughts.
continue the text below	The unfortunate explorer took very little interest in animated nature, except as it contributed to the sum of his daily food, which was then the all-important subject of his thoughts.	He almost starved.
continue the text below	He almost starved.	This is all he has to say:[1]
continue the text below	This is all he has to say:[1]	[Note 1: Davis' Spanish Conquest of New Mexico. 1869.
continue the text below	[Note 1: Davis' Spanish Conquest of New Mexico. 1869.	P. 67.] "Cattle come as far as this.
continue the text below	P. 67.] "Cattle come as far as this.	I have seen them three times, and eaten of their meat.

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The Project Gutenberg eBook of The Extermination of the American Bison This ebook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions whatsoever.

You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included with this ebook or online at www.gutenberg.org.

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You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included with this ebook or online at www.gutenberg.org.

If you are not located in the United States, you will have to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this eBook.

continue the text below

If you are not located in the United States, you will have to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this eBook.

Title: The Extermination of the American Bison Author: William T. Hornaday Release date: February 10, 2006 [eBook #17748] Most recently updated: December 10, 2020 Language: English Credits: Produced by Chuck Greif, Tony Browne and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net *** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE EXTERMINATION OF THE AMERICAN BISON *** Produced by Chuck Greif, Tony Browne and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net

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Title: The Extermination of the American Bison Author: William T. Hornaday Release date: February 10, 2006 [eBook #17748] Most recently updated: December 10, 2020 Language: English Credits: Produced by Chuck Greif, Tony Browne and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net *** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE EXTERMINATION OF THE AMERICAN BISON *** Produced by Chuck Greif, Tony Browne and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net

[Illustration: (Inscription) Mr. Theodore Roosevelt.

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[Illustration: (Inscription) Mr. Theodore Roosevelt.

Author of "Hunting Trips of a Ranchman," With the compliments of The Author, W.T. Hornaday.] SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION.

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Author of "Hunting Trips of a Ranchman," With the compliments of The Author, W.T. Hornaday.] SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION.

UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM.

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UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM.

*

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*

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*

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*

* * THE EXTERMINATION OF THE AMERICAN BISON.

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* * THE EXTERMINATION OF THE AMERICAN BISON.

BY WILLIAM T. HORNADAY, _Superintendent of the National Zoological Park._

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BY WILLIAM T. HORNADAY, _Superintendent of the National Zoological Park._

*

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*

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*

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*

* * From the Report of the National Museum, 1886-'87, pages 369-548, and plates I-XXII.

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* * From the Report of the National Museum, 1886-'87, pages 369-548, and plates I-XXII.

*

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*

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*

* * * WASHINGTON GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE.

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* * * WASHINGTON GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE.

1889.

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1889.

[Illustration: GROUP OF AMERICAN BISONS IN THE NATIONAL MUSEUM.

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[Illustration: GROUP OF AMERICAN BISONS IN THE NATIONAL MUSEUM.

Collected and mounted by W. T. Hornaday.]

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Collected and mounted by W. T. Hornaday.]

CONTENTS.

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CONTENTS.

PREFATORY NOTE

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PREFATORY NOTE

PART I.--THE LIFE HISTORY OF THE BISON I. Discovery of the species II.

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PART I.--THE LIFE HISTORY OF THE BISON I. Discovery of the species II.

Geographical distribution III.

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Geographical distribution III.

Abundance IV.

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Abundance IV.

Character of the species 1.

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Character of the species 1.

The buffalo's rank amongst ruminants 2.

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The buffalo's rank amongst ruminants 2.

Change of form in captivity 3.

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Change of form in captivity 3.

Mounted specimens in museums 4.

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Mounted specimens in museums 4.

The calf 5.

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The calf 5.

The yearling 6.

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The yearling 6.

The spike bull 7.

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The spike bull 7.

The adult bull 8.

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The adult bull 8.

The cow in the third year 9.

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The cow in the third year 9.

The adult cow 10.

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The adult cow 10.

The "Wood" or "Mountain Buffalo" 11.

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The "Wood" or "Mountain Buffalo" 11.

The shedding of the winter pelage V. Habits of the buffalo VI.

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The shedding of the winter pelage V. Habits of the buffalo VI.

The food of the buffalo VII.

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The food of the buffalo VII.

Mental capacity and disposition of the buffalo VIII.

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Mental capacity and disposition of the buffalo VIII.

Value to mankind IX.

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Value to mankind IX.

Economic value of the bison to Western cattle-growers 1.

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Economic value of the bison to Western cattle-growers 1.

The bison in captivity and domestication 2.

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The bison in captivity and domestication 2.

Need of an improvement in range cattle 3.

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Need of an improvement in range cattle 3.

Character of the buffalo-domestic hybrid 4.

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Character of the buffalo-domestic hybrid 4.

The bison as a beast of burden 5. List of bison herds and individuals in captivity PART II.--THE EXTERMINATION I. Causes of the extermination II.

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The bison as a beast of burden 5. List of bison herds and individuals in captivity PART II.--THE EXTERMINATION I. Causes of the extermination II.

Methods of slaughter 1.

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Methods of slaughter 1.

The "still hunt" 2.

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The "still hunt" 2.

The chase on horseback 3.

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The chase on horseback 3.

Impounding 4.

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Impounding 4.

The surround 5.

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The surround 5.

Decoying and driving 6.

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Decoying and driving 6.

Hunting on snow-shoes III.

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Hunting on snow-shoes III.

Progress of the extermination A.

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Progress of the extermination A.

The period of desultory destruction B.

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The period of desultory destruction B.

The period of systematic slaughter 1.

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The period of systematic slaughter 1.

The Red River half-breeds 2.

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The Red River half-breeds 2.

The country of the Sioux 3.

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The country of the Sioux 3.

Western railways, and their part in the extermination of the buffalo 4.

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Western railways, and their part in the extermination of the buffalo 4.

The division of the universal herd 5.

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The division of the universal herd 5.

The destruction of the southern herd 6.

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The destruction of the southern herd 6.

Statistics of the slaughter 7.

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Statistics of the slaughter 7.

The destruction of the northern herd IV.

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The destruction of the northern herd IV.

Legislation to prevent useless slaughter V. Completeness of the wild buffalo's extirpation VI.

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Legislation to prevent useless slaughter V. Completeness of the wild buffalo's extirpation VI.

Effects of the disappearance of the bison VII.

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Effects of the disappearance of the bison VII.

Preservation of the species from absolute extinction PART III.--THE SMITHSONIAN EXPEDITION FOR SPECIMENS I.

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Preservation of the species from absolute extinction PART III.--THE SMITHSONIAN EXPEDITION FOR SPECIMENS I.

The exploration for specimens II.

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The exploration for specimens II.

The hunt III.

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The hunt III.

The mounted group in the National Museum INDEX LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS.

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The mounted group in the National Museum INDEX LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS.

Group of buffaloes in the National Museum Head of bull buffalo Slaughter of buffalo on Kansas Pacific Railroad Buffalo cow, calf, and yearling Spike bull Bull buffalo Bull buffalo, rear view The development of the buffalo's horns A dead bull Buffalo skinners at work Five minutes' work Scene on the northern buffalo range Half-breed calf Half-breed buffalo (domestic) cow Young half-breed bull The still-hunt

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Group of buffaloes in the National Museum Head of bull buffalo Slaughter of buffalo on Kansas Pacific Railroad Buffalo cow, calf, and yearling Spike bull Bull buffalo Bull buffalo, rear view The development of the buffalo's horns A dead bull Buffalo skinners at work Five minutes' work Scene on the northern buffalo range Half-breed calf Half-breed buffalo (domestic) cow Young half-breed bull The still-hunt

The chase on horseback Cree Indians impounding buffalo The surround Indians on snow-shoes hunting buffaloes Where the millions have gone Trophies of the hunt MAPS.

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The chase on horseback Cree Indians impounding buffalo The surround Indians on snow-shoes hunting buffaloes Where the millions have gone Trophies of the hunt MAPS.

Sketch map of the hunt for buffalo Map illustrating the extermination of the American bison PREFATORY NOTE.

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Sketch map of the hunt for buffalo Map illustrating the extermination of the American bison PREFATORY NOTE.

It is hoped that the following historical account of the discovery, partial utilization, and almost complete extermination of the great American bison may serve to cause the public to fully realize the folly of allowing all our most valuable and interesting American mammals to be wantonly destroyed in the same manner.

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It is hoped that the following historical account of the discovery, partial utilization, and almost complete extermination of the great American bison may serve to cause the public to fully realize the folly of allowing all our most valuable and interesting American mammals to be wantonly destroyed in the same manner.

The wild buffalo is practically gone forever, and in a few more years, when the whitened bones of the last bleaching skeleton shall have been picked up and shipped East for commercial uses, nothing will remain of him save his old, well-worn trails along the water-courses, a few museum specimens, and regret for his fate.

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The wild buffalo is practically gone forever, and in a few more years, when the whitened bones of the last bleaching skeleton shall have been picked up and shipped East for commercial uses, nothing will remain of him save his old, well-worn trails along the water-courses, a few museum specimens, and regret for his fate.

If his untimely end fails even to point a moral that shall benefit the surviving species of mammals _which are now being slaughtered in like manner_, it will be sad indeed.

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If his untimely end fails even to point a moral that shall benefit the surviving species of mammals _which are now being slaughtered in like manner_, it will be sad indeed.

Although _Bison americanus_ is a true bison, according to scientific classification, and not a buffalo, the fact that more than sixty millions of people in this country unite in calling him a "buffalo," and know him by no other name, renders it quite unnecessary for me to apologize for following, in part, a harmless custom which has now become so universal that all the naturalists in the world could not change it if they would.

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Although _Bison americanus_ is a true bison, according to scientific classification, and not a buffalo, the fact that more than sixty millions of people in this country unite in calling him a "buffalo," and know him by no other name, renders it quite unnecessary for me to apologize for following, in part, a harmless custom which has now become so universal that all the naturalists in the world could not change it if they would.

W. T. H. THE EXTERMINATION OF THE AMERICAN BISON,

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W. T. H. THE EXTERMINATION OF THE AMERICAN BISON,

By WILLIAM T. HORNADAY, _

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By WILLIAM T. HORNADAY, _

Superintendent of the National Zoological Park.

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Superintendent of the National Zoological Park.

_

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_

PART I.--LIFE

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PART I.--LIFE

HISTORY OF THE BISON. I. DISCOVERY OF THE SPECIES.

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HISTORY OF THE BISON. I. DISCOVERY OF THE SPECIES.

The discovery of the American bison, as first made by Europeans, occurred in the menagerie of a heathen king.

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The discovery of the American bison, as first made by Europeans, occurred in the menagerie of a heathen king.

In the year 1521, when Cortez reached Anahuac, the American bison was seen for the first time by civilized Europeans, if we may be permitted to thus characterize the horde of blood thirsty plunder seekers who fought their way to the Aztec capital.

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In the year 1521, when Cortez reached Anahuac, the American bison was seen for the first time by civilized Europeans, if we may be permitted to thus characterize the horde of blood thirsty plunder seekers who fought their way to the Aztec capital.

With a degree of enterprise that marked him as an enlightened monarch, Montezuma maintained, for the instruction of his people, a well-appointed menagerie, of which the historian De Solis wrote as follows (1724): "In the second Square of the same House were the Wild Beasts, which were either presents to Montezuma, or taken by his Hunters, in strong Cages of Timber, rang'd in good Order, and under Cover: Lions, Tygers, Bears, and all others of the savage Kind which New-Spain produced; among which the greatest Rarity was the Mexican Bull; a wonderful composition of divers Animals.

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With a degree of enterprise that marked him as an enlightened monarch, Montezuma maintained, for the instruction of his people, a well-appointed menagerie, of which the historian De Solis wrote as follows (1724): "In the second Square of the same House were the Wild Beasts, which were either presents to Montezuma, or taken by his Hunters, in strong Cages of Timber, rang'd in good Order, and under Cover: Lions, Tygers, Bears, and all others of the savage Kind which New-Spain produced; among which the greatest Rarity was the Mexican Bull; a wonderful composition of divers Animals.

It has crooked Shoulders, with a Bunch on its Back like a Camel; its Flanks dry, its Tail large, and its Neck cover'd with Hair like a Lion.

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It has crooked Shoulders, with a Bunch on its Back like a Camel; its Flanks dry, its Tail large, and its Neck cover'd with Hair like a Lion.

It is cloven footed, its Head armed like that of a Bull, which it resembles in Fierceness, with no less strength and Agility.

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It is cloven footed, its Head armed like that of a Bull, which it resembles in Fierceness, with no less strength and Agility.

" Thus was the first seen buffalo described.

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" Thus was the first seen buffalo described.

The nearest locality from whence it could have come was the State of Coahuila, in northern Mexico, between 400 and 500 miles away, and at that time vehicles were unknown to the Aztecs.

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The nearest locality from whence it could have come was the State of Coahuila, in northern Mexico, between 400 and 500 miles away, and at that time vehicles were unknown to the Aztecs.

But for the destruction of the whole mass of the written literature of the Aztecs by the priests of the Spanish Conquest, we might now be reveling in historical accounts of the bison which would make the oldest of our present records seem of comparatively recent date.

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But for the destruction of the whole mass of the written literature of the Aztecs by the priests of the Spanish Conquest, we might now be reveling in historical accounts of the bison which would make the oldest of our present records seem of comparatively recent date.

Nine years after the event referred to above, or in 1530, another Spanish explorer, Alvar Nuñez Cabeza, afterwards called Cabeza de Vaca--or, in other words "Cattle Cabeza," the prototype of our own distinguished "Buffalo Bill"--was wrecked on the Gulf coast, west of the delta of the Mississippi, from whence he wandered westward through what is now the State of Texas.

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Nine years after the event referred to above, or in 1530, another Spanish explorer, Alvar Nuñez Cabeza, afterwards called Cabeza de Vaca--or, in other words "Cattle Cabeza," the prototype of our own distinguished "Buffalo Bill"--was wrecked on the Gulf coast, west of the delta of the Mississippi, from whence he wandered westward through what is now the State of Texas.

In southeastern Texas he discovered the American bison on his native heath.

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In southeastern Texas he discovered the American bison on his native heath.

So far as can be ascertained, this was the earliest discovery of the bison in a wild state, and the description of the species as recorded by the explorer is of historical interest.

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So far as can be ascertained, this was the earliest discovery of the bison in a wild state, and the description of the species as recorded by the explorer is of historical interest.

It is brief and superficial.

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It is brief and superficial.

The unfortunate explorer took very little interest in animated nature, except as it contributed to the sum of his daily food, which was then the all-important subject of his thoughts.

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The unfortunate explorer took very little interest in animated nature, except as it contributed to the sum of his daily food, which was then the all-important subject of his thoughts.

He almost starved.

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He almost starved.

This is all he has to say:[1]

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This is all he has to say:[1]

[Note 1: Davis' Spanish Conquest of New Mexico. 1869.

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[Note 1: Davis' Spanish Conquest of New Mexico. 1869.

P. 67.] "Cattle come as far as this.

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P. 67.] "Cattle come as far as this.

I have seen them three times, and eaten of their meat.