442 CLASS MAMMALIA. 



by hunger or some enemy of very superior strength. They 

 march in serried columns, and when disturbed by any ob- 

 ject, they approach it within a certain distance, having the 

 strongest individuals at their head, examine it attentively, 

 describing one or many circles around it. If it does not 

 appear dangerous, they approach with precaution ; but if 

 the chiefs recognise any danger, and give an example of 

 flight, they are instantly followed by the entire troop. 



The instinct which induces Horses thus continually to 

 unite in families, renders it very dangerous for travellers 

 to fall in with these wild troops, for it exposes them to the 

 liability of losing their own Horses for ever. The moment 

 these hordes perceive any domestic Horses, they call to 

 them with the utmost eagerness, approaching as near them 

 as prudence will permit. If the others are not guarded 

 with the utmost care, they will take to their heels, and it 

 is utterly vain to attempt to catch them again. 



These Wild Horses can be tamed and brought back to a 

 domestic state with great facility, even though they are 

 adult when caught. The South Americans are extremely 

 dexterous in taking them with long cords, or as they are 

 called, lassos, which they throw ..with wonderful address 

 and precision, and thus entwine the animals which they 

 are desirous of possessing. Those of the wild studs are 

 watched by men in the districts they inhabit, appointed for 

 this express purpose, and who have no other occupation. 

 They are mounted on some of those Horses which have 

 been already tamed, and they reconduct the troop to the 

 lands of the proprietor whenever they happen to wander. 

 Those men are also employed to catch them when there is 

 a necessity. They mount on horseback, summon the troop 

 to a quarter from which it cannot escape, mingle among 

 them, provided with the instrument above mentioned. 

 They fling it on the neck of the animal, which, finding it- 

 self caught, fastens the knot still tighter by its endeavours 



