and, in
case of an attempt to stampede them, they should be driven with all
possible dispatch into the corral, where they will be perfectly secure.
A "stampede" is more to be dreaded upon the plains than almost any
disaster that can happen. It not unfrequently occurs that very many
animals are irretrievably lost in this way, and the objects of an
expedition thus defeated.

The Indians are perfectly familiar with the habits and disposition of
horses and mules, and with the most effectual methods of terrifying
them. Previous to attempting a stampede, they provide themselves with
rattles and other means for making frightful noises; thus prepared,
they approach as near the herds as possible without being seen, and
suddenly, with their horses at full speed, rush in among them, making
the most hideous and unearthly screams and noises to terrify them, and
drive them off before their astonished owners are able to rally and
secure them.

As soon as the animals are started the Indians divide their party,
leaving a portion to hurry them off rapidly, while the rest linger some
distance in the rear, to resist those who may pursue them.

Horses and mules will sometimes, especially in the night, become
frightened and stampeded from very slight causes. A wolf or a deer
passing through a herd will often alarm them, and cause them to break
away in the most frantic manner. Upon one occasion in the Choctaw
country, my entire herd of about two hundred horses and mules all
stampeded in the night, and scattered over the country for many miles,
and it was several days before I succeeded in collecting them together.
The alarm occurred while the herders were walking among the animals,
and without any perceptible cause. The foregoing facts go to show how
important it is at all times to keep a vigilant guard over animals. In
the vicinity of hostile Indians, where an attack may be anticipated,
several good horses should be secured in such positions that they will
continually be in readiness for an emergency of this kind. The herdsmen
should have their horses in hand, saddled and bridled, and ready at an
instant's notice to spring upon their backs and drive the herds into
camp. As soon as it is discovered that the animals have taken fright,
the herdsmen should use their utmost endeavors to turn them in the
direction of the camp, and this can generally be accomplished by riding
the bell mare in front of the herd, and gradually turning her toward