It was not uncommon in those early days of rough men for quick retort and challenge and resort to arms. And many a man was buried in the cemetery with "boots on" to lie in unmarked graves.

To the west and south of an oblong square formerly used for parade grounds, stands what is left of the officers quarters, which were excellent, well-built domiciles, and in the midst of them is "Bedlam." This interesting structure obtained its name from the scenes enacted therein by the rough soldiery of early years.

Two doors north of "Bedlam" now (1919) lives John Hunton, whose word is accepted as final in things pertaining to early history. From him I obtained some interesting facts concerning the beginning of the cow business in western Nebraska and eastern Wyoming.

In the early sixties a freighter lost some of his oxen, and he did not find them until the following spring. In some miraculous manner • they had escaped the Indians, and their excellent condition awoke in the mind of many the same thought, that cattle could be wintered without care, and that the grasses must be very nutritious. Then and thereafter the freighters decided to take a chance. The larger outfits, the Creightons, the Coads, and a few others, established "ranches" or a headquarters for a few caretakers, who were to look after the "bull herds," during the winter months.

Bull canyon, in western Banner county, is

one of these wintering places. Another point was on Cedar creek and Smith's lurk, near Mud Springs. In Carter canyon is the ruins of another of the old camps, and there were many others. The hazards were considerable, but if they escaped the Indian raids, they came through the winter in fine shape.