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Show PBAHUB- DOO VILLAGE. 87 the river, wading about among Borne small islands in search of grass. We passed to- day through a large village or settlement of the prairie- dog, ( Arctomy$ bidovipianaj) extending in length not less than half a mile. These littlo animals are very shy, and, at the least approach of a stranger, hie themselves with all speed to th^ ir holes, in which they partly bury their bodies, leaving only their heads visible just above the surface of the ground, where, so long us the alavm lasts, they keep up a continual barling. The note somewhat resembles the bark of a small puppy, but is nevertheless so peculiar * s to be instantly recognised ever afterward, by any one who has once distinctly heard it. They are very hard to get, as they are never found far from their holes; and when shot, fall immediately into them, where they are generally guarded by a rattlesnake- the usual sharer of their subterranean retreat. Several were shot by us in this situation, but when the hand was about to be thrust into the hole to draw them out, the ominous rattle of this dreaded reptile would be instantly heard, warning the intruder of the . danger he was about to incur. A little, white, burrowing owl. also { Stryx cunicularia) is frequently found taking up his abode in the same domicile.; and this strange association of reptile, bird, and beast- seem to live together in perfect harmony and peace. I have never personally seen the owl thus housed,, but haare been assured of the fact from so many, so various, and so credible sources, that I cannot doubt it. The whirr of the rattle- , snake 1 have heard, frequently when the attempt was made to invade these hqles, and our men at length became afraid to approach them' for this purpose. The march, to- day, was prolonged to an unusually late hour, atf I was in hopes of reaching the ford of the South Fork before night, but finding this impracticable, we encamped on the bank of the river where the prairie was hard and level, with pUnty of excellent grass and water. With the exception of a few small willows growing on the opposite side, and a large cotton- wood or two a few miles up the river, serving to mark the point for crossing, no trees were to be seen. We were fortunate enough, however, to find three or four old lodge- poles, left by a passing band of Sioux, which, eked out by ben de vaohe for fuel, served to give us a capital roast of buffalo- meat, which, wearied as we were by a march of fourteen hours in the burning sun, proved a most welcome* and acceptable refreshment. |