Page:Pictures of life in Mexico Vol 2.djvu/131

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 Dexterity in lassoing.—Cattle-hunters' fare.—Defence of wild-cattle against wolves.—Inducements to hunters.—Departure for a cargo of hides.—Sunset on the prairie.—The hunter's terrible dream.—A perilous position.—Combat and retreat.—Struggle in the water.—Safe deliverance.

use of the lasso in many parts of Mexico has almost become a science so dexterous are the people in its management and so unfailing generally is their aim. The wild-cattle hunters of the prairies have only to come within hailing distance of a herd to select the finest and the best and to consider them as certainly their prey as if their hides were already laid on the backs of their horses, and their fat melted into barrels for sale. These hunters often proceed in large parties; and; in this manner, vast numbers of cattle