IN THE FAR WEST. 319 



is considered an improvement, in order to give staying 1 powers. 

 I believe, however, that the unmixed race is thoroughly 

 adapted for the work, provided it is educated at an early age; 

 but that idea would be a rather difficult matter to impress 

 upon those whose experience is entitled to the fullest con- 

 sideration. 



After three hours of fitful repose we arose from our hard 

 couch, fed our horses, drank our dark coffee, partook of a 

 slight breakfast of smoked beef and bread, then vaulted 

 into the saddle. Our steeds were in excellent condition, so 

 we felt that they would give us no cause to deplore our want of 

 good fortune. Moving from the streamlet to the high rolling 

 plateaus back of it, we could distinguish by the dim morning 

 light several groups of antelopes quietly grazing. Stealing to 

 their lee to avoid being detected by their keen nostrils, and to 

 seek the cover of some hillocks, we approached one herd to 

 within fifty yards ere we were discovered. The dogs having 

 been put in leash for the purpose of giving us an opportunity of 

 trying to ride down a few animals, and tumbling them over 

 with our rifles and revolvers, we put spurs to our horses as 

 soon as we saw the creatures in motion, and were soon in full 

 pursuit. Our steeds were given a free rein, and each person 

 picked out his own quarry. I selected a dam which was ac- 

 companied by a brace of youngsters t\vo or three months 

 old, and pursued them onlv a short distance ere I came 

 close enough to get a shot. This I delivered with my re- 

 volver at the fore-shoulder of the dam, and when the ha/y 

 smoke cleared away I had the satisfaction of seeing her tumble 

 over on her side. Leaving her, I followed the youngsters, 

 which were running wildly about, as if daxed with fear and 

 the loss of their guardian, and in a few minutes had mv 

 lasso about the neck of one. Taking a quick turn of the 

 lariat about the pommel of the Mexican saddle, I dismounted, 

 and left the well-trained mustang to hold the quarry while I 

 tied its legs. This done, I went in quest of its mate, and 

 soon descried it on a knoll, gazing wistfully about for its lost 

 companions. A run of two miles or more after tin's also placed 

 it in the noose of my lasso, but it was more difficult to 

 capture than the previous one, as it coursed and turned 



