THE RODEO OF THE LLANOS. 



1Y9 



a great number of able and expert riders, who, on a given 

 day, surround a large area of country, and drive toward 



Cattle. 



one center all the cattle that may be found within the se- 

 lected space. An extended circle or ring is thus formed, 

 inclosing a great herd of wild animals ; these are kept in 

 check by the well -concerted evolutions of the vaqueros, 

 until the appointed rendezvous is reached, where, after 

 allowing the cattle to cool down, the different brands are 

 selected ; hence the name rodeo, from rodear, to surround. 

 2. The area selected for the rodeo embraced at least 

 fifteen miles in circuit. The horsemen, in squads of six 

 or eight, proceeded on the afternoon of the day before to 

 their stations at various points, having instructions to start 

 at early dawn for the appointed center. We of the staff 

 made a simultaneous move from the house, driving before 



