20 HUNTING TRIPS 



loosely knotted round the neck, trousers 

 tucked into high-heeled boots, and a pair of 

 leather " shaps " (chaperajos) or heavy rid- 

 ing overalls. Great spurs and a large-calibre 

 revolver complete the costume. For horse 

 gear there is a cruel curb bit, and a very 

 strong, heavy saddle with high pommel and 

 cantle. This saddle seems needlessly 

 weighty, but the work is so rough as to make 

 strength the first requisite. A small pack is 

 usually carried behind it ; also saddle pockets, 

 or small saddle-bags; and there are leather 

 strings wherewith to fasten the loops of the 

 raw-hide lariat. The pommel has to be 

 stout, as one end of the lariat is twisted 

 round it when work is to be done, and 

 the strain upon it is tremendous when 

 a vigorous steer has been roped, or 

 when, as is often the case, a wagon 

 gets stuck and the team has to be helped out 

 by one of the riders hauling from the saddle. 

 A ranchman or foreman dresses precisely like 

 the cowboys, except that the materials are 

 finer, the saddle leather being handsomely 



