IN THE PACIFIC. 127 



Not far from Tepic there is a large plain 

 called the Laguna. This was once a lagoon, 

 but was drained by Mr. Barron some years ago 

 at a great expense; by this not only is the 

 sanitary condition of the city much improved, 

 but a valuable tract of country reclaimed, 

 on which many hundred head of cattle and 

 horses are pastured. These animals, from being 

 allowed to roam about undisturbed, have be- 

 come almost wild, and when any of them are 

 wanted they are hunted down and lassoed. 



We went one day to the laguna to see some 

 colts branded, and had a good opportunity of 

 witnessing the skill and horsemanship of the 

 Mexican rancher os, for which they are so cele- 

 brated. We saw several savage bulls lassoed, 

 and thrown very cleverly ; but the most won- 

 derful performance was to see a rancher o ride 

 at full gallop alongside of a bull, seize the 

 beast by the tail whilst going at the top of his 

 speed, and by a clever twist throw the animal 

 on to the ground, where he lay looking very 

 foolish. 



