The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

BUFFALO HIDES

BUFFALO HIDES WERE OFTEN FILLED WITH VARIOUS VERMIN
AND IT WAS IMPOSSIBLE TO RID THE ANIMAL SKIN OF THESE.
IT WAS A COMMON PRACTICE AMONG THE INDIANS TO PUT
THE HIDE NEAR A "BLACK ANT" HILL. THE ANTS WOULD
EAT THE VERMIN. THE PROCESS TOOK SEVERAL DAYS, AS
THERE WOULD BE SEVERAL THOUSAND VERMIN EGGS ON THE
HAIR AND SKIN OF THE HIDE.

Where learned: BOOK, ASSUMED

Date learned: NOT GIVEN

View just this record