In his 1845 journal about his trading expeditions to Santa Fe, Josiah Gregg devoted at least four pages to the prairie dog. And I don't blame him, because they're cute.
Josiah Gregg, a school teacher, became a well-known trader along the Santa Fe between Missouri and Mexico. He lived in many different places in the American Southwest, and even resided briefly in Shreveport. His impressions of the Red River Valley and the Cross Timbers region contributed scientific knowledge of flora, fauna, and geography. His two-volume book, "Commerce of the Prairies," was even translated into German to inform would-be gold seekers of how to complete an overland journey to California.
Here's a portion of what he wrote about the prairie dog town he encountered on the staked plains:
"A collection of their burrows has been termed by travelers a 'dog town,' which comprises from a dozen or so, to some thousands in the same vicinity; often covering an area of several square miles. They generally locate upon firm dry plains, coated with short fine grass, upon which they feed; for they are no doubt exclusively herbivorous. But even when tall course grass surrounds, they seem commonly to destroy this within their 'streets' ware nearly always found 'paved' with a fine species suited to their palates.
Approaching a 'village,' the little dogs may be observed frisking about the 'streets' -- passing from dwelling to dwelling apparently on visits... all yet quiet. Upon seeing a stranger, however, each streak it to its home, but is apt to stop at the entrance, and spread the general alarm by a succession of shrill yelps, usually sitting erect."
The book even features an illustration in of the Prairie Dog Town, just in case we don't believe him. Well played, Josiah.
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