BRANDING 35 



Here are a few samples : 



It is desirable to have the irons made as large as 

 possible, on account of the growth of the beast's coat 

 in winter-time, which would quite obliterate a brand 

 of small proportions. A half or totally effaced 

 marking, by this means, is more productive of bad 

 language than anything during a round-up, when it 

 involves the roping and throwing of an animal to 

 ascertain the brand while " cutting out " from a 

 big herd. The brand marking grows with the 

 animal, so the necessity seldom arises to apply the 

 irons more than once during the beast's lifetime. 



Ear-marking is very general as a means of addi- 

 tional identification, but it is not essential, nor is it 

 registered. 



As the employment of several men is necessary 

 to satisfactorily brand an animal, it is the usual 

 custom in the ranching districts to form " bees " 

 (as they are called) for the purpose. In other words, 

 your neighbours (often living five to twenty or more 

 miles distant) will come over and give you a hand, 

 on the understanding that you will do a like service 

 for them when required. 



The calves about to be branded should be driven 



