THE GAUCHO. 



117 



URUGUAY. 



look a different race of men from what might be expected 

 from their name of Gauchos, or simple countrymen. Their 

 politeness is excessive; they never drink their spirits with- 

 out expecting you to taste it ; but, while making their ex- 

 ceedingly graceful bow, they seem quite as ready, if occasion 

 offered, to cut your throat. 



i_>:-_ 





THE GAUCHO. 



The Gauchos are well known to be perfect riders. The 

 idea of being thrown, let the horse do what it likes, never 

 enters their head. Their test of a good rider is a man who 

 can manage an untamed colt, or who, if his horse falls, alights 

 on his own feet, or can perform other such exploits. I have 

 heard of a man betting that he would throw his horse down 



