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Dying Buffalo Bull, in Snow Drift
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Indians on snowshoes hunting buffaloes trapped in snow (Plate 17)."In this view the reader is introduced to the optimum of dreariness and severity which the hunters of the northern prairies have to contend with in the depths of winter. An intensely cold day, and dry and sand-like snow three or four feet in depth, drifting before the wind, and a herd of buffaloes laboring to plough their way through it, whilst they are urged on by a party of Indians on snowshoes, deeply clad in furs, and dealing death to them with their spears. The dying bull in the foreground of this picture, and that in the preceding plate, were carefully sketched by my own hand whilst the animals were thus struggling with death; and I therefore confidently offer them as faithful delineations of their forms and looks, as well as fit and impressive subjects for contemplation for those who may ever have the time, and feel disposed to sympathize with the cruel destruction and extinction of this useful and noble animal."
1844
Catlin, George, 1796-1872
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W0143S5
WHi 23635
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Buffalo Hunt, On Snow Shoes
1844
Indians on snowshoes hunting buffaloes immobilized by snow (Plate 15)."In this plate is illustrated the mode alluded to in the preceding page, of the Indians hunting in the depth of winter, running...
Buffalo Hunt, Under the White Wolf Skin
1844
Indians disguised as wolves hunting buffaloes (Plate 13)."Of the white wolf and its habits I have given an account in Plate 10, and although these animals live chiefly on the flesh of the buffalo, ...
Buffalo Hunt, White Wolves Attacking a Buffalo Bull
1844
A buffalo surrounded by wolves (Plate 10)."There are several varieties of the wolf species on the American prairies, the most numerous and formidable of which is the white wolf, found in great numb...
Wounded Buffalo Bull
1844
Buffalo wounded by spear or arrow in the snow (Plate 16)."The reader has here, a striking illustration of the deadly effects of the Indian's arrow, and also as an emphatic representation of one of ...
Buffalo Hunt, Chase
1844
Indians on foot and horseback hunting buffaloes (Plate 7)."The buffalo is a harmless and timid animal until severely wounded, or closely pursued, when it often turns upon horse and rider with a gre...
Buffalo Hunt, Approaching in a Ravine
1844
Hunters using rifles to kill buffalo (Plate 11)."This plate represents the familiar mode of procuring meat, practiced by all the voyageurs on the Missouri and other streams of that country, who run...