THEIR SYSTEM. 183 



both them and the mules. The salary of tlie 

 muleteer ranges from two to five dollars per 

 month ; and as their food seldom consists of 

 anything else except corn and frijoks, it can 

 be procured at very httle cost. When the arn- 



own expense. 



generally 



conducted 



manner, each arriero having his appropriate 

 sphere of action allotted to him. They have 



if 



technicalities 



not as numerous, are about as unintelligi- 

 ble to the uninitiated as sailors' terms. One 

 person, called the savanero, has the charge of 

 the mules at riight, which are all turned loose 

 without tether or hopple, with the 7nukra or 

 bell-mare, to prevent them from straying 

 abroad. Although the attachment of the 

 mules to the ^nitlera appears very great, it 

 seems to be about as much for the bell as for 

 the animal. "What the queen-bee is to a 

 hive, so is the mukra to an atajo. No matter 

 what may be the temper of a mule, it can 

 seldom be driven away from her ; and if she 

 happen to be taken from arnon^ 

 the latter immediately become dep 

 melancholy, and ramble and wliinny in every 

 direction, as if they were completely lost In 

 addition to preparhig food for the party, it is 

 the office of the madre (or mother, as the cook 

 of the company is facetiously called) to lead 

 tlie mulera ahead, durinz the journey, after 



o 



hole nack follows 



cession. 



