Page:Mexico as it was and as it is.djvu/210

 Rh First of all, he has his broad-brimmed, steeple-crowned Sombrero covered with oilskin; next, his short leathern jacket, fancifully embossed with plated nails, like the old buff-coats of the feudal freebooters; then, his leather trowsers with rows of buttons at the seam, preventing the chafing of the saddle, and his leggings to protect his feet and ankles; in front of him are his armas de agua, a large skin cut in two parts, the ends of which on one side are fastened to the saddle-bow, the other two being tied behind him, so that his legs are entirely protected from rain; before them, again, are strapped his pistols, while, passing beneath his left leg, rests his trusty toledo. From the peak, in front, hangs his lasso, a long running-noose with which he catches his horse in the morning; and behind him is strapped his serape, or blanket-cloak, with a slit in the middle, which he throws over his head when it rains or is cold, and protects him from the weather as by a perfect thatch.



Thus mounted on his high-peaked Spanish saddle, with stiff wooden stirrups, over which are long ears of leather,—and his feet armed with the