CHAPTER XXXVI.

THE PRAIRIES: SLEDGE, KEEL, WHEEL, CAYUSE, CHASE.

A picturesque life--The prairie hunters and traders--Gaily-caparisoned dog trains--The great winter packets--Joy in the lonely forts--The summer trade--The York boat brigade--Expert voyageurs--The famous Red River cart--Shagganappe ponies--The screeching train--Tripping--The western cayuse--The great buffalo hunt--Warden of the plains--Pemmican and fat--The return in triumph 360