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Show 66 NATIONAL WAGON RO·AD GUIDE. night, being sufficient oftentimes, to cause a stampede. It is also a favorite mode adopted by the Indians, to steal your stock, by first causing them to stampede ; for they will often run a distance of five or six miles before stopping, and being scattered, are then more easily gathered up by the Indians, than by their rightful owners. BUFFALO CHIPS. There are portions of the overland route, particularly along the broad alluvials of the Platte Tiver, on which there is not a tree or bush, not even the smallest willow to be found. I-Iere the traveler finds an excellent substitute for --- ----- ... --- .......... --- ~ --- . -==---... --...._,_ '..AJ"v..l -~~,c-~~ ~-- .. _____ -- ---- GATHERING BUFFALO· CHIPS. wood, for the purposes of fuel, in the dried excrement of the buffalo, which is found in most places w lv~re required, in great abundance. The term " chips " has ( NATIONAL WAGON ROAD GUIDE. 67 been adopted doubtless~ as being more euphonious than the one often used. When dry, it ignites easily, burns freely, and has no offensive odor, either before, or on being burned. Just previous to going into camp, all hands, except the teamsters, are employed in collecting a sufficient quantity for camp use ; in doing which, sacks and aprons are brought into full play. The term, "baffalo chips" has recently been applied to a variety of chewing tobacco; but whether on account of its resemblance to its proto~ype, in taste or mode of manufacture, we hardly know ; we doift use it. GREENHORN'S CUT-OFF. Along the rout~, there are very many places where trains of anjmals and wagons can be seen for long distances ; and as they marl{ the line of the road for miles in advance, it often appears as though it made a great curve from a direct line, and in many places it does ; but you can rest assured it is always for some good reason. And yet, there are many who are ever ready to attempt what they are sure must prove to be, a decided CUT-OFF. I-Iere is Mr. Greenhorn and two others, who knew they could make a cut-off, that would save them a mil or more ; but already it appears, that though two of the party may be s.aid to be on a cut-off, the third is deci- J dedly "into it." . It is true there are many places where the footn1an or even pack animals, may make a decided cut-off, sav- • I |