[Note 29:  Quadrupeds of North America, vol.  II, pp. 38, 39.]

“Buffalo calves are drowned from being unable to ascend the steep banks of the rivers across which they have just swam, as the cows cannot help them, although they stand near the bank, and will not leave them to their fate unless something alarms them.

“On one occasion Mr. Kipp, of the American Fur Company, caught eleven calves, their dams all the time standing near the top of the bank.  Frequently, however, the cows leave the young to their fate, when most of them perish.  In connection with this part of the subject, we may add that we were informed, when on the Upper Missouri River, that when the banks of that river were practicable for cows, and their calves could not follow them, they went down again, after having gained the top, and would remain by them until forced away by the cravings of hunger.  When thus forced by the necessity of saving themselves to quit their young, they seldom, if ever, return to them.  When a large herd of these wild animals are crossing a river, the calves or yearlings manage to get on the backs of the cows, and are thus conveyed safely over.”

5. The Yearling.—­During the first five months of his life, the calf changes its coat completely, and becomes in appearance a totally different animal.  By the time he is six months old he has taken on all the colors which distinguish him in after life, excepting that upon his fore quarters.  The hair on the head has started out to attain the luxuriant length and density which is so conspicuous in the adult, and its general color is a rich dark brown, shading to black under the chin and throat.  The fringe under the neck is long, straight, and black, and the under parts, the back of the fore arm, the outside of thigh, and the tail-tuft are all black.

The color of the shoulder, the side, and upper part of the hind quarter is a peculiar smoky brown ("broccoli brown” of Ridgway), having in connection with the darker browns of the other parts a peculiar faded appearance, quite as if it were due to the bleaching power of the sun.  On the fore quarters there is none of the bright straw color so characteristic of the adult animal.  Along the top of the neck and shoulders, however, this color has at last begun to show faintly.  The hair on the body is quite luxuriant, both in length and density, in both respects quite equaling, if not even surpassing, that of the finest adults.  For example, the hair on the side of the mounted yearling in the Museum group has a length of 2 to 21/2 inches, while that on the same region of the adult bull, whose pelage is particularly fine, is recorded as being 2 inches only.

The horn is a straight, conical spike from 4 to 6 inches long, according to age, and perfectly black.  The legs are proportionally longer and larger in the joints than those of the full-grown animal.  The countenance of the yearling is quite interesting.  The sleepy, helpless, innocent expression of the very young calf has given place to a wide-awake, mischievous look, and he seems ready to break away and run at a second’s notice.