Page:Pictures of life in Mexico Vol 2.djvu/132

108 are captured—many hundreds being often destroyed during a single expedition. Sometimes small bands of these herd despoilers will issue forth, while, not unfrequently, one or two hunters set out alone, to do a little business on their own account; none favouring them with any commands in the matter, and none, on the other hand, participating in their gains.

There is nothing so mysterious about this art of lassoing, however, as has been occasionally represented. The requisite skill and delicacy (for there is actual delicacy of handling in it) have to be acquired by slow degrees and continual practice; many a mortifying mistake, caused by too great quickness or too much deliberation, has to be endured by the tyro; and in this profession, as in every other, there are some who are never destined to shine.

The life passed by' these hunters is a wild and singular one: oftentimes shut out by vast tracts of country from the comforts of home, and everything approaching the refinements of civilization, it is as "rough and ready" an existence as can well be imagined. Trusting most frequently, as they do, to the issue