Democratic Sentinel, Volume 19, Number 36, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 13 September 1895 — Physical Training of Indian Hunters. [ARTICLE]

Physical Training of Indian Hunters.

The physical training of a hunter was a part of the education of every Indian boy, and different tribes had different modes of developing the powers of endurance. Among the Omahas the youth were taught to ran—not so much to run rapidly for a short distance, as to keep up an even pace for many miles; and the habit of careful observation was also Inculcated. The runners' services on the tribal hunt were important; it was - - necessary for them to be able to traves far in search of the buffalo' and to return quickly, so that the tribe could go forward, and the hunters encompass the* herd before it could move to any great distance. They must also closely note - the topography of the conmtry as they ran here and there in search of the game, so as to be able to direct the tribe to»the herd .over the shortest route wh?fch they might not themselves have traveled. They must also be constantly on the ..watch for tracks or signs of an enemy, lest they should bring the tribo 1 into danger. It was not uncommon.' for these young men to run from seventy to 100 miles within twenty-four hours, taking very little rest a»d food.—-Sen. tury.