IN THE PACIFIC. 129 



cigarette, and when all was ready lie patted the 

 mare and sprang lightly into the saddle. Im- 

 mediately a lively scene ensued, the beast rear- 

 ing, kicking, bucking, and trying to jam the 

 rider's leg against the wall of the corral ; but 

 finding all these fail, she threw a somersault in 

 the air, landing on her back. The Indian, who 

 had taken it very coolly, was prepared for this 

 manoeuvre, and threw himself clear, ready to 

 mount again as soon as the mare was on her 

 legs. This performance was repeated two or 

 three times, till we stopped it, as it was quite 

 evident that the man would conquer. The 

 poor beast sweating, bleeding, and trembling 

 in every limb was then allowed to go, with 

 scarcely strength or energy left to rejoin her 

 comrades in the plain. 



A Mexican gentleman also gave us an exhi- 

 bition of his skill with the lasso, never failing to 

 throw it over the head or horns of an animal 

 whilst going at full gallop ; his horse also 

 seemed to enter into the sport with much gusto> 

 like an old hunter. 



