THE COWBOY'S RIG 105 



school methods. Even though the discussion may be 

 quite one-sided, I fancy we shall not disagree. 



The most striking part of the cowboy's rig are the cha- 

 parajos, or huge leather overalls, he is apt to wear. These 

 originated in the mesquite or chaparral country, where 

 the cattle business had its origin, and where jeans or a 

 pair of the best cords will be torn to shreds in a day. 

 When the chaparajos are seen out of this region, they 

 have been retained from force of habit. This singular 

 garment is made of cowhide, weighs five or six pounds, 

 and used invariably to have the edge cut into a long 

 fringe ; but this ornamentation has begun to disappear. 

 It boasts no seat, which could with difficulty be made to 

 fit. On the left leg of the chaparajos is a pocket for cig- 

 arettes or chewing-tobacco, matches, and small sundries. 

 The chaparajos could not comfortably be worn in any 

 other saddle than one which gave a short, upright, " forked- 

 radish " seat. They are too much like trousers made of 

 stove-pipe. 



At the cowboy's saddle-bow usually hangs a rawhide 

 or hair or Mexican grass rope, from forty feet long up- 

 wards, to use for every purpose, from roping cattle to haul- 

 ing out a mired team ; and his rifle, a 73-Winchester, rests 

 crosswise at the horn, in a broad pouch-like strap, which 

 protects the lock from injury ; or is slung under the left 

 leg, where it can lie with equal security. He boasts few 

 riches. What he has is apt to be in dollars, or owed him 

 by the ranchman, or occasionally in a few steers. He buys 

 a pair of eighteen - dollar boots, a pair of fifteen -dollar 

 gloves, and the rest of his rig and dress is scarcely worth 

 a five-dollar bill. This is by no means from extravagance. 

 He must keep his feet well shod and his legs protected. 

 Without the very best gloves he would shortly have no 

 skin left on his hands. It is self - protection and well- 



