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very greatly reduced. While it was confidently believed that the Park contained between 100 and 125 head of buffalo, & that the number was increasing, the best informed authorities declare their belief that there are not over 25 head remaining. I have precise information as to how a number of head have been killed out of the original herd, and it is believed by the hunters themselves that the herd is now so nearly exterminated that it will not pay to watch for them after this winter. I may add that in Helena I saw the heads, [[strikethrough]] of [[/strikethrough]] mounted and unmounted, of five of our cherished Park buffaloes, and know the circumstances under which the animals were slain.

I shall presently lay before you a brief statement bearing on this point, and others of kindred interest.

Unless the Government will enclose the Park by a wire fence 8 feet high, the buffaloes, at