72 SADDLE AND CAMP 



Northward the shepherds camp in a canvas- 

 covered wagon, fitted up as a snug kitchen and 

 sleeping room, with a bunk amply wide for two 

 in the rear, a small cook stove forward, a fold- 

 ing table that may be removed when not in 

 use, and ample storage room for provisions and 

 personal belongings. It is a comfortable habi- 

 tation even in severe weather. 



Individual sheep ranchers usually own sev- 

 eral flocks, and each flock, numbering from sev- 

 eral hundred to five or six thousand animals, 

 is placed under the care of two and sometimes 

 three men. It is the custom when grazing 

 flocks upon the public range to confine them to 

 a certain area until it is denuded of all grass 

 and browse. The sheep accomplish this very 

 completely and thoroughly in a few days and 

 are then moved on by the shepherds to another 

 area. 



We had hoped to leave Grasshopper Valley 

 behind us before our night halt was made, but 

 a late start brought us at nightfall near Jaques's 

 last camp, and here we drew in and bivouacked 

 alongside the tent of the Mexican shepherds, 

 and accepted their invitation to a supper of 

 mutton and a breakfast of chili con came. 



There were two men allotted to this camp — a 

 cook and a herder. As day faded into twilight 



