THE HOME RANCH 



43 



mud-choked water ; but they are good eating withal, in spite of their 

 uncanny appearance. We usually catch them with set lines, left out over- 

 night in the deeper pools. 



CRUISING FOR STOCK 



The cattle are fattest and in best condition during the fall, and it is 

 then that the bulk of the beef steers are gathered and shipped four- 

 year-olds as a rule, though some threes and fives go along with them. 

 Cattle are a nuisance while hunting on foot, as they either take fright and 

 run off when they see the hunter, scaring all game within sight, or else, 

 what is worse, follow him, blustering and bullying and pretending that 



