66 THROUGH THE HEART OF PATAGONIA 



spaces of the pampas, a strong check must be placed upon any 

 infringement of the law of property. A strict system of registra- 

 tion and surv^eillance as to brands upon horses must be kept in 

 force, and is, in fact, one of the first steps towards security. 



The brand, which I had registered in Trelew, and which was 

 invented by Burbury, represented the rising sun. It was an 

 excellent brand, as it had not much "fire" about it, and was very 

 different to any other mark we came across. Another point to be 

 considered in choosing it was that it would be a difficult one to 

 fake. Our branding took place at Bahia Camerones, Mr. Green- 

 shields being good enough to allow us to use his corral for the 

 purpose. Our half-wild horses did not permit us to operate upon 

 them without a struggle. A few days after the operation the 

 burns caused by the iron had quite healed. 



OUK BKAMj 



