Here's why:
* Scarcity of wood: The Great Plains, where many pioneers traveled, were largely treeless. Finding wood for fires was difficult, especially in areas with limited resources.
* Buffalo dung as a substitute: Buffalo chips, the dried dung of bison, were readily available and burned well. They provided a good source of heat for cooking, warmth, and even baking.
* "Fuel" for families: Children would often gather buffalo chips to help their families with essential tasks like cooking and staying warm.
While it might sound strange today, using buffalo chips as fuel was a practical and necessary practice for pioneers in the 19th century.