48 : NOTES TAKEN. 
.June 14th.—The banks of the stream presented a wild and 
picturesque scene this morning. 
A. high, steep bluff, on the opposite shored was lined with 
over a thousand head of wild cattle, about to be driven across, 
on their way to Missouri and Illinois. 
These cattle are herded on the vast plains of Texas, until 
about three or four years old; they are then sold to men who 
follow the business, at from fifteen to eighteen dollars per. 
head, driven to the prairies in the North-West, and there 
fattened for the Eastern market. They are very beautiful to 
look at, symmetrical in figure, with sinewy limbs, and very 
long, sharp-pointed horns. 
Quite wild, the business of driving them is an arduous and 
a dangerous one. They go quietly enough until something 
occurs to excite or frighten them, when a stampede will 
occur, and woe betide the hapless wight who becomes 
involved in it; they become frantic, and bear. down and crush 
every thing that stands in the way in their furious career. 
The. men who drive them, are a rough set, hardy and 
splendidly bold riders. I saw one catch his hat from the 
ground, when at full gallop, a feat which requires not only 
practice, but great muscle and dexterity. They ride a small 
horse, bred in Mexico, thick set and of great power of 
endurance. 
The stock-whip they use, is a most formidable weapon ; 
upon a short handle, about eighteen inches long, they fasten 
a plaited lash, from fifteen to eighteen feet in length, about 
