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Show ALONG LODGE POLE CREEK. 27 The antelope, which appeared only occasionally along the Platte, were here to be seen in great numbers, bounding over the hills as the column marched along. They were very timid, however, and to hunt them successfully, requir ed a greater degree of labor and patience than I was dispos ed to bestow upon the sport. The more experienced hunt ers among the soldiers, however, secured a large number of them in this valley and on the hills bordering it. We found a roast of tender antelope meat not an undesireable substi tute for beef occasionally, and I relished very much this, to me, new diet. The antelope is a neat, gracefully formed animal, resem bling much the deer, with perhaps shorter legs. It is about the size of a deer, with short branched horns ; is of a light brown or yellowish brown color on the back, white under the belly and has short, white, rather bushy tails. I allud ed to them as bounding over the hills, I might almost with propriety called it gliding. They have not a long and high bound like the deer, but leap close to the ground, and at a distance appear to glide along with but little exertion ; their motions are so regular and gentle, that a very imperfect idea of their fleetness is formed when not compared with the speed of other animals. They are animals of remarkable curiosity, and this is taken advantage of in hunting them. A small red flag will decoy them to a spot where the hunter lies ready to shoot, and secure his game. A passing wagon will attract their attention ; and even when hotly pursued, they will yield to the promptings of their curiosity, and stop occasionally,, turn around, raise their heads and very deliberately gaze at their pursuer for a moment, and then dash off again. They get demoralized, as the soldiers say, sometimes, and run right into danger. On one occasion I saw an antelope run by the entire column within fifty yards, and at least twenty- five shots were fired at him without effect. They are exceedingly difficult to shoot when in motion. I well remember my first exciting race after one of them. I thought I had a chance to head him off so as to get |
