Only within a few years—­since the buffalo disappeared—­has this change been going on; so recently has it come that the old order and the new meet face to face.  In the trees along the river valleys, still quietly resting on their aerial sepulchres, sleep the forms of the ancient hunter-warrior who conquered and held this broad land; while, not far away, Blackfoot farmers now rudely cultivate their little crops, and gather scanty harvests from narrow fields.

It is the meeting of the past and the present, of savagery and civilization.  The issue cannot be doubtful.  Old methods must pass away.  The Blackfeet will become civilized, but at a terrible cost.  To me there is an interest, profound and pathetic, in watching the progress of the struggle.

DAILY LIFE AND CUSTOMS

Indians are usually represented as being a silent, sullen race, seldom speaking, and never laughing nor joking.  However true this may be in regard to some tribes, it certainly was not the case with most of those who lived upon the great Plains.  These people were generally talkative, merry, and light-hearted; they delighted in fun, and were a race of jokers.  It is true that, in the presence of strangers, they were grave, silent, and reserved, but this is nothing more than the shyness and embarrassment felt by a child in the presence of strangers.  As the Indian becomes acquainted, this reserve wears off; he is at his ease again and appears in his true colors, a light-hearted child.  Certainly the Blackfeet never were a taciturn and gloomy people.  Before the disappearance of the buffalo, they were happy and cheerful.  Why should they not have been?  Food and clothing were to be had for the killing and tanning.  All fur animals were abundant, and thus the people were rich.  Meat, really the only food they cared for, was plenty and cost nothing.  Their robes and furs were exchanged with the traders for bright-colored blankets and finery.  So they wanted nothing.

It is but nine years since the buffalo disappeared from the land.  Only nine years have passed since these people gave up that wild, free life which was natural to them, and ah! how dear!  Let us go back in memory to those happy days and see how they passed the time.

The sun is just rising.  Thin columns of smoke are creeping from the smoke holes of the lodges, and ascending in the still morning air.  Everywhere the women are busy, carrying water and wood, and preparing the simple meal.  And now we see the men come out, and start for the river.  Some are followed by their children; some are even carrying those too small to walk.  They have reached the water’s edge.  Off drop their blankets, and with a plunge and a shivering ah-h-h they dash into the icy waters.  Winter and summer, storm or shine, this was their daily custom.  They said it made them tough and healthy, and enabled them to endure the bitter cold while hunting on the bare bleak prairie.