THE DAKOTA WINTER COUNTS.
1812-’13.—No. I. Many wild horses caught.
No. II. The wild horses were first run and caught by the Dakotas. The device is a lasso. The date is of value, as showing when the herds of prairie horses, descended from those animals introduced by the Spaniards in Mexico, or those deposited by them on the shores of Texas and at other points, had multiplied so as to extend into the far northern regions. The Dakotas undoubtedly learned the use of the horse and perhaps also that of the lasso from southern tribes, with whom they were in contact; and it is noteworthy that notwithstanding the tenacity with which they generally adhere to ancient customs, in only two generations since they became familiar with the horse they have been so revolutionized in their habits as to be utterly helpless, both in war and the chase, when deprived of that animal.
No. III. Dakotas first used lariat (sic) for catching wild horses.
Battiste Good says for the preceding year, 1811-’12: “First-hunted-horses winter.” He adds: “The Dakotas caught wild horses in the sand-hills with braided lariats.”
American-Horse also, for 1811-’12, says: They caught many wild horses south of the Platte River.
White-Cow-Killer calls 1811-’12 “Catching-wild-horses winter.”
Major Bush says: Dakotas first made use of lariat in catching wild horses.
1813-’14—No. I. Many Indians died of cold (consumption).
No. II. The whooping-cough was very prevalent and fatal. The sign is ludicrously suggestive of a blast of air coughed out by the man-figure.