Later it was determined to rid the place of the skunks, and the manner was as novel as the way of cleaning the kitchen. So accustomed were the animals to the presence of man, that they would move about close to their feet, as though scarcely aware of their presence. It is said that a skunk has no sense of pain and from the story told one must believe that it is true. The manner of their destruction was to spill kerosene into their hair or fur, and then set it on fire. While it burned the skunks moved about apparently uninterested. Sometimes it took two or three saturations of oil and the same number of burnings to finish the skunk. When it became effectual, the animals merely laid down and died, apparently without pain, and certainly not offering the skunk's usual offensive tactics when annoyed.

Fording the Platte

There were no bridges on the Platte between Camp Clarke and Fort Laramie, so the people used to cross frequently, except during the

freshets of June and early July. It was necessary to get fuel, for nature had bestowed upon the hills south of the valley, the timber supply that assisted the early people of the valley. There were several places found along the river, where by passing from island to island, and sand bar to sand bar, there was little difficulty or danger. If one followed the track of the wagons gone before, a good load could be pulled across the river, but if one got out of the beaten track, there was more or less trouble.