5 2 RANCH LIFE AND THE HUNTING-TRAIL 



wrapped up in a stout jacket which is to be worn when night-herding. 

 The inevitable "slicker," or oil-skin coat, which gives complete protection 

 from the wet, is always carried behind the saddle. 



SADDLING FRESH HORSES. 



At the meeting-place there is usually a delay of a day or two to let 

 every one come in ; and the plain on which the encampment is made 

 becomes a scene of great bustle and turmoil. The heavy four-horse 

 wagons jolt in from different quarters, the horse-wranglers rushing madly 

 to and fro in the endeavor to keep the different saddle-bands from min- 

 gling, while the "riders," or cowboys, with each wagon jog along in a 

 body. The representatives from outside districts ride in singly or by 

 twos and threes, every man driving before him his own horses, one of 

 them loaded with his bedding. Each wagon wheels out of the way into 

 some camping-place not too near the others, the bedding is tossed out on 

 the ground, and then every one is left to do what he wishes, while the dif- 

 ferent wagon bosses, or foremen, seek out the captain of the round-up 

 to learn what his nlans are. 



