1 6 WILD FLOWKRS OF COLORADO. 



went. "Cowboys, Miss ? I am very sorry to say we are just out 

 of them, but wc expect some in about seven o'clock in the 

 morning." "Oh, how lovely! call us, please, at six-thirty;" 

 and the young ladies seemed really happy at the prospect of 

 seeing a real cowboy. 



Tired from our journey we were soon in our rooms and in 

 bed. It seemed to me I had only just fallen asleep, when there 

 came a rap on the door and a "six-thirty, ladies." We were called 

 none too early, for already we could hear the tramp of hundreds 

 of feet and a low, musical song or chant in the distance. Looking 

 down from our window we saw coming down the street a large 

 herd of cattle ; by their side and in their rear rode the cow-boys, 

 who with their song, that sounded so weird and chant-like, 

 seemed to control them. "Oh, see what large hats they have on, 

 and spurs, and how fast they ride!" came from the two young 

 heads at the window. 



So, young ladies, these are the cow-boys you have been 

 anxious to see. Well, they are fine specimens of manly strength 

 and health, but remember the term "cow-boy" is improperly 

 applied to all men engaged in the cattle business, no matter 

 whether they herd the cattle or own them. 



I left the young ladies to talk over the sight they had just 

 seen, while I went out to improve the time in sketching. As I 

 started from the house I again heard the tramp of many feet. I 

 looked and saw horses and guides coming. They halted in front 

 of the hotel. I w^as told they came every morning at the same 



