TEHUELCHE METHODS OF HUNTING 105 



bozal and cabresto, as well as a bit in his mouth. The hunter 

 rides the former horse, and leads the latter for use later on. 



The big herds of guanaco have meantime been located, and the 

 plan of the day's hunt arranged by the caciqtie. All the hunters 

 start forth in couples, riding in different directions, and so form an 

 immense circle, into the centre of which they systematically drive 

 the game. They then signal their whereabouts to one another 

 by means of smokes until the ring round the guanaco is complete. 

 Each hunter is accompanied by his dogs, of which he possesses 

 probably a score. Six or eight gaunt hounds of no particular 

 breed, but whose characteristic points run chiefly to legs and teeth, 

 follow their master. As the circle narrows the terrified game 

 huddle together in the centre of it, and there may be seen hundreds 

 of guanaco, many ostriches, and possibly a puma or two. The 

 guanaco bucks pace upon the edge of the herd, and give out their 

 neighing, half-defiant call as their human enemies approach. 



The positions assumed by guanaco when under the influence 

 of curiosity and fear are most singular. They will stand staring 

 at the Indians for many seconds, and will then dash off at a wild 

 gallop witli the strange leaping run peculiar to them. The necks, 

 too, swing and sway at all conceivable angles, and whenever their 

 ears are assailed by a sudden sound, I have seen a whole herd, up- 

 wards of one hundred strong, sway their necks to within a couple 

 of inches of the ground almost in unison. 



In the meanwhile the Indians draw remorselessly nearer, dis- 

 mount from their saddle-horses, leap on their led animals, and pre- 

 cipitate themselves from all sides upon the frantic herds. The horses 

 that are left have generally been carefully schooled to stand when 

 their reins are dropped forward to the ground over their heads. The 

 Indians howl and roar as they dash down upon the guanaco, 

 whirling their boleadores round their heads. This tolas, with which 

 they hunt the guanaco, is very heavy, and the three balls are 

 generally made of stone, but they use a lighter form for the 

 capture of the ostrich. In the case of guanaco chicos, clubs are 

 often employed. 



Holding his weapon by the shortest of the three sogas, or 

 thongs, and while going at full gallop, the Indian launches it at the 



