58 RANCH LIFE AND THE HUNTING TRAIL 



in the Bad Lands on account of the remarkably broken, rugged nature of 

 the country. The men come in on lines that tend to a common center 

 as if the sticks of a fan were curved. As the band goes out, the leader 



THE ROPE CORRAL. 



from time to time detaches one or two men to ride down through certain 

 sections of the country, making the shorter, or what are called inside, 

 circles, while he keeps on ; and finally, retaining as companions the two 

 or three whose horses are toughest, makes the longest or outside circle 

 himself, going clear back to the divide, or whatever the point may be that 

 marks the limit of the round-up work, and then turning and working 

 straight to the meeting-place. Each man, of course, brings in every head 

 of cattle he can see. 



These long, swift rides in the glorious spring mornings are not soon 

 to be forgotten. The sweet, fresh air, with a touch of sharpness thus 

 early in the day, and the rapid motion of the fiery little horse combine to 

 make a man's blood thrill and leap with sheer buoyant light-heartedness 

 and eager, exultant pleasure in the boldness and freedom of the life he is 

 leading. As we climb the steep sides of the first range of buttes, wisps 

 of wavering mist still cling in the hollows of the valley ; when we come 

 out on the top of the first great plateau, the sun flames up over its edge, 

 and in the level, red beams the galloping horsemen throw long fantastic 



