BUFFALO PETS

Dominion, Volume 32, Issue 94, 14 January 1939, Page 6 (Supplement)

BUFFALO PETS

Throughout the prairie region of the United States, where the buffalo once roamed, there are deep-worn circular paths, q’onrists, driving over the fenceless prairie, often run across them None but old-timers know how these rings were formed. They are the last reminder of the days of the buffalo. When attacked by wolves, the buffaloes would gather the weak and young in a group. The strong and sturdy buffaloes would then start to gallop in a circle around the huddled group. Round and round Hie huge buffaloes would race in an unbroken circle. The wolves could not. break the ring. If tliev got in the path of the galloping buffaloes they were stamped and crushed to death.

Buffaloes which are considered dumb were intelligent enough to co-operate. They pooled their strength to protect themselves against a common foe. When left alone the buffalo was helpless and could easily be devoured by a small pack of wolves. Collectively, however, he withstood the onslaught of a ravenous pack of wolves. Only the poor half-witted buffalo who tried to work alone fell prey to his enemies.

The buffaloes showed a remarkable instill'” for co-operation and organization. Because of tills they grew and multiplied until thev were Hit' <]omiminl animal of the West. It was only when Hie white man came and started a systematic campaign of slaughter Hint Hie biifl'alo met tils end.