Interlude Summary and Analysis

In the summer of 1886-1887, a record-breaking blizzard hits the Dakota Territory. Snow buries animals, ranches and any plant life on the plains. Many animals, both wild and domestic, die from exposure. Others perish from starvation, and farmers kill still others when the animals become mad. Hungry cattle tear up even the roots of the grass, so the next spring, only barren dirt remains. Everyone suffers immeasurable losses.