ESTIMATE OF INCREASE IN CATTLE 73 



dying in consequence), contribute to the largest 

 number of deaths, and make the task of forming a 

 correct estimate of increase utterly impossible. One 

 might as well attempt to estimate one's profits and 

 losses at the gambling table. The man with a small 

 number of beasts, however, is better placed for 

 combating disaster, as a rule, than he with a large 

 one, by reason of being able to give more individual 

 attention to his animals, both on the range and in 

 his corral and stable. 



It is pretty safe to say that none of the original 

 settlers (and the same applies to most of the present- 

 day " old timers ") kept books or accounts of any 

 sort. But do not run away with the idea that they 

 were unaware of the number of their bunch, how- 

 ever large, or the character, sex, and general ap- 

 pearance of every beast they had. These old 

 pioneers seldom possessed any cash or a bank 

 balance, all their available wealth being perhaps 

 miles away on the prairie and four feet. Many 

 present-day men are similarly situated. They run 

 up enormous bills at stores in the nearest town, 

 and only settle up each fall (if they can), when the 

 buyer comes out to relieve them of what beeves 

 they may have to dispose of. Some lead a very 

 " hand-to-mouth " existence, being practically in- 

 solvent if a particularly severe winter has depleted 



